Insider view

Anna Cowley

Solicitor

Degree: BA English
Studied at: University of London
Joined M&R: Sept 2003

"Mills & Reeve offers a calibre of work you would find in a City law firm coupled with a high degree of responsibility, which means that trainees are stretched professionally and commercially, but always with the support of a strong team behind them"

Anna Cowley joined Mills & Reeve in September 2003 after studying English at Royal Holloway, University of London and then the PgDL and LPC at the College of Law, Guildford.

Why Mills & Reeve?

I decided to apply to Mills & Reeve after attending an open day at the firm's Norwich office. Everyone was friendly and the quality of training and opportunity for varied and challenging work was apparent. The firm runs a six seat training contract, providing trainees with a very broad and diverse experience.

First seat responsibilities

My first seat was in Planning and Environment law. I felt part of the team from day one and was given work from all members of the team. I had a lot of client contact, writing letters, making phone calls and attending meetings, which as a first seat trainee is quite exciting!

One of my first client meetings was with the managers of London Luton Airport. We acted for them in a planning inquiry which was called in by the Secretary of State, and I was heavily involved in the inquiry preparations. I went to the Pre-Inquiry Meeting and subsequent client meetings, researched topics from safeguarding airports to statutory compensation, and worked on witness statements and action plans with the client and the partner I sat with.

I also visited the Royal Courts Of Justice during this seat, once with counsel to obtain a without notice injunction to prevent a breach of planning control and on another occasion I accompanied the partner and counsel to the Court of Appeal, where we acted for an interested party. The Court of Appeal's judgement was in favour of our client and this is now the leading case on the Code of Practice for Members of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, although the other side have applied to the House of Lords for leave to appeal, so it's not over yet!

As well as inquiry and litigation experience, I researched topics such as affordable housing, corporate killing and changes to the law on health and safety. I also had significant drafting experience, starting off by making amendments to section 106 Planning Agreements, but progressing to drafting complete agreements under supervision and even trying my hand at environmental indemnities.

The corporate experience

I arrived mid-way through a takeover offer pursuant to the City Code. This is a very fast moving transaction with time limits and stringent rules to follow. I drafted board minutes, resolutions, press announcements and competed the verification of the offer document, all in my first few weeks! This has involved some late nights, but generally the hours at Mills & Reeve are not too taxing and trainees can expect to work from 9.00 to 18.00 on an average day, although leaving at 17.00 is not unheard of.

Other tasks in this seat have involved tailoring a shelf company, due diligence for a share sale agreement and liaising with the real estate department over a business sale agreement. I have been drafting the corporate clauses of this agreement with supervision, which has been fantastic drafting and commercial experience.

Final thoughts

Throughout my time at Mills & Reeve, I have received consistently high quality training and work. Mills & Reeve offers a calibre of work you would find in a City law firm coupled with a high degree of responsibility, which means that trainees are stretched professionally and commercially, but always with the support of a strong team behind them. Trainees are made to feel part of the firm from their first day and are included in the firm's numerous social events. Our work is valued by all the team members and trainees are definitely utilised as fee earners, rather than as administrative assistants.