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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Get hands-on experience in managing exciting infrastructure projects and client interactions.
- Company: Join Michelmores, a dynamic law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, valuable skills development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public infrastructure while building your legal career.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for law and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with experienced lawyers and gain diverse project exposure.
Life as a Trainee in the Projects & Infrastructure Team
The Projects & Infrastructure team can often be seen as a bit of an enigma, with people often not being aware of the type of work that the team undertakes. I initially completed my second seat in the team and have now returned for my fourth and final seat. I am also pleased to say that I will be qualifying into the Projects team in September 2025. The aim of this blog is to shed some light on the Projects team, our clients, and what life is like as a trainee… because in my opinion, it’s a brilliant team and the seat has really helped build useful and transferable skills and experience.
What are the team like?
The Projects team at Michelmores sits within the Real Estate Group. The team is primarily based within the Exeter office (which is where trainees will be based), with one of our partners also located in London. The team takes one trainee per rotation and is made up of nine lawyers and two support staff. The work is complex and typically partner lead, with trainees working closely with the partners in the team, as well as the other lawyers. The team often works together in person and review contracts in the collaboration areas in the office. That being said, there is flexibility to work remotely and have balance in your week between being in the office and at home!
So, what do the Projects team do?
We help our clients with all aspects of managing PPP (Public-Private Partnerships) Projects. At its core, a PPP Project seeks to facilitate investment in national infrastructure (hospitals, schools, prisons, etc.) without increasing public debt. The team specialises in Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts, a type of PPP, in which the private sector contracts with a public authority to assist with the financing, design, construction and ongoing maintenance of infrastructure projects.
A common example of this is private lenders agreeing to fund the construction/refurbishment of a hospital for an NHS trust. A project company, which is a privately owned and funded special purpose vehicle (SPV), contracts with an NHS trust to design, build and subsequently maintain and provide services to the hospital. The SPV will then pass these responsibilities down to specialist subcontractors for design, construction and ongoing maintenance packages, amongst other matters. PFI contracts (and associated subcontracts) generally span for a term of 20-30 years.
We act for both public sector and private sector clients. These may include NHS trusts, local authorities and councils, SPVs, and subcontracted maintenance companies. We support our clients with navigating challenges arising over the course of a PFI contract, such as assisting with implementing variations to the PFI contracts and negotiating with the public sector, lenders and subcontractors. As the terms of these PFI contracts expire, the team has a new pipeline of work in which we can help our clients with the ‘handback’ procedure. This is where an asset is passed back to the public sector as the SPV’s role comes to an end.
By virtue of the nature of the team’s work, we work collaboratively with other teams within Michelmores to be able to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for our clients. The construction team assist with the drafting, negotiating and executing building contracts and the appointments of subcontractors. Our disputes teams also help us advise our clients when things go wrong and provide specialist advice regarding defects or disputes.
What can I get involved with as a trainee?
The short answer is…everything! The work the team undertakes is so varied and so as a trainee in the team, you will get involved in different projects across different sectors and have a chance to work with lawyers across the team and the wider firm.
The high level of client contact enables you to build and develop your client communication skills as you are often emailing clients and attending meetings to discuss matters alongside your colleagues. You will also have the opportunity to draft main transaction documents, as well as ancillary documents, and will be involved in the process of completing matters and so you will have a chance to test your DocuSign skills!
If you have any questions about undertaking a seat in the Projects & Infrastructure team, please feel free to email me and I would be more than happy to assist.
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Life as a Trainee in the Projects & Infrastructure Team employer: Michelmores Partner
Contact Detail:
Michelmores Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Life as a Trainee in the Projects & Infrastructure Team
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current trainees or team members on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the Projects & Infrastructure team. This not only shows your interest but can also give you insider knowledge that might come in handy during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in PPP projects and PFI contracts. Being able to discuss current events or recent case studies will impress the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the work they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. Since you'll be dealing with clients and colleagues, being articulate is key. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Life as a Trainee in the Projects & Infrastructure Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for the Projects & Infrastructure team shine through. We want to see that you’re excited about the work we do and how it impacts clients and communities.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of PPPs and PFI contracts.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michelmores Partner
✨Understand the Projects & Infrastructure Landscape
Before your interview, take some time to research what Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts are all about. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in the sector, especially those involving NHS trusts or local authorities. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The Projects team thrives on collaboration, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Think about times when you’ve contributed to group projects or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your ability to work closely with others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since client contact is a big part of the trainee role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex ideas simply, so consider how you would communicate legal concepts to someone without a legal background. This will showcase your ability to connect with clients.
✨Prepare Questions About the Team and Work
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the Projects team and the types of projects they handle. Ask about the challenges they face or how they measure success in their work. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the team is the right fit for you.
