Henmans is a long-established Oxford practice with a national reputation. We serve commercial, private, third sector and insurer clients. Our philosophy is to be extremely client focused in order to deliver exceptional levels of service. We achieve this through an emphasis on teamwork, which ensures that clients always have access to a partner with specialist support. We run ongoing training programmes to guarantee clients optimum advice and guidance. Our policy of bespoke services and controlled costs ensure that both corporate and private clients benefit from City level standards at competitive regional prices.

Trainee profile

Applicants should have sound commercial awareness, solid academic achievement, IT literacy, the ability to work in a team and good communication skills.

Training environment

Trainees at Henmans are an important part of our future. We are committed to providing a high standard of training throughout the contract. Trainees are introduced to the firm with a detailed induction and overview of our client base. A trainee manual is provided in each seat to familiarise the trainee with the department's procedures. Experience is likely to be within the personal injury, property, corporate, employment, professional negligence/commercial litigation, and private client departments. The firm provides an ongoing programme of in-house education and regular appraisals within its supportive and friendly environment. 

We value commitment and enthusiasm both professionally and socially as an integral part of our culture, and trainees are encouraged to join in social activities and become involved with the life of the firm.

Our trainees are usually able to join the department of their choice when they qualify, and 20% of our current partnership joined Henmans as trainees, including the managing partner.

Main areas of work

The firm's core service of litigation is nationally recognised for its high quality. We also have an excellent reputation for our personal injury, clinical negligance, property, private client and charity work.

Our work breaks down as follows:

• Personal injury and clinical negligence 27%
• Professional negligence and commercial litigation 24%
• Corporate/employment 10%
• Property 14%
• Private client (including family, charities and trusts) 25%

Firm information

Partners 21
Associates/assistants 43
Trainees 6

Assistants who joined as trainees 25%
Partners who joined as trainees 20%
Trainees with non-law degree 20%

Trainee stories

You can read about how other trainees have found life at Henmans:
Shree Hindocha has now qualified and working in our property team. Bianca Soave qualified into our professional indemnity team. Sarah McMillan and Sophie Tinworth are still training with us.

Applying

You can download a training contract application form in Word here. Once completed, please either email or post it to Viv Matthews, 5000 Oxford Business Park South, Oxford OX4 2BH.

The closing date for application for training contracts starting in September 2010 is 31 July 2008.

Selection procedure

The interview process comprises an assessment day with HR managers and partners, including an interview, presentation, verbal reasoning test, drafting and team exercise.

If you have any questions that have not been answered here, please feel free to contact Viv Matthews.