Awards: trainee solicitors give top in-house gong to CPS

A host of law firms last week celebrated recognition for their training and recruitment after a record 2,400 trainees voted for their favourites.


The awards, organised by the Trainee Solicitors Group (TSG) and on-line resource LawCareers.Net, also saw the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) named best recruiter and trainer in the in-house and public sector for the second year running.


The best private practice firms were: City firm Silverman Sherliker (small firm), Guildford-based Stevens & Bolton (medium regional firm), Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (medium City firm), Newcastle's Dickinson Dees (national/large regional firm) and Taylor Wessing (large City firm).


Regional practice Mills & Reeve had the best vacation scheme.


The best private practice trainer awards went to: Royds in the City (small firm), south-east practice Thomas Eggar (medium regional firm), US firm Covington & Burling (medium City firm), Manchester-based Halliwells (national/large regional firm) and Baker & McKenzie (large City firm).


Trainee Solicitors Group chairman Peter Wright said: 'A good start with varied and high-quality work is essential to a successful and rewarding career. The awards are instrumental in ensuring such a start can and should be the norm for all trainee solicitors.'


The CPS has 40 trainee solicitors and five pupils, and beat the Government Legal Service among others. CPS training principal Lesley Williams said: 'It reflects all the hard work put in by our supervisors and everyone involved in legal trainee recruitment and training.' Reasons for its nomination included local recruitment, equal opportunities, flexible working and work variety.