#what if i scrapped the current outfit vibes and just started dressing like it's the 1930s

[adamshallperish]

need to start dressing like this

[tea-ddie]

Something that may or may not be clear about my book, Ballyhoo, on a surface level, is for how long it's been in the works. People who've known me for several years will remember the very first draft of the comic from 2018/2019. That version was specifically made for Webtoon and has been more-or-less scraped for the current version of the story. Because of that, all of Ballyhoo's characters have gone through pretty big changes—not just in their design/my art style evolution/etc, but also in their occupation, some elements of their backstory, and more. I've started working on Book 2 and have been making some new concept art. I realized as I looked to the future of the project, it was a good time to look back. This post will go through three of the main characters: Evelyn, Marjorie, and Oretta, and explain how we got to where we are in Ballyhoo.

Evelyn Golubev

2018: Evelyn was one of the very first characters I ever created for this story. She was originally the femme-fatale-type—her girlfriend had just mysteriously gone missing. She worked at a vaudeville-type club as a dancer and, besides being somewhat hot, ominous and foreboding in the way that a femme-fatale must be, that was about it. I was still definitely trying to understand my art style and struggled a lot with making the hair look as "natural" as I wanted. Her outfits all leaned pretty heavily femme and her makeup was heavy... but uncanny as I didn't fully understand how to color makeup on a face then.

2024: Evelyn Golubev, or better known by her stage name, "Evelyn Gold," still works at a vaudeville club, but beyond dancing, also sings and performs at other bars and clubs across the city of Portapolis. She is the frontwoman of her Baby Blue Band, which is the house-band at local lesbian bar, the Lilac. Although she still holds some of her femme-fatale vibes, I wouldn't necessarily describe her as a "femme" in the queer spaces she occupies. She wears custom blue suits at the club and brings a swagger that would make any girl blush to her performances. In both versions of her character, she holds a few secrets that she protects fiercely, but in the currently version of the story, the consequences of these secrets coming out feels more intense. Overall, I think her character has become more refined and deliberate in the story.

Marjorie Miller

2018: Oh, Marjorie. Her role in the story has shifted pretty significantly from the first drafts of the story—in this earliest drawing, she's pictured singing at what was a lesbian house party. She was always a bit desperate—trying to fit into a space that wasn't really for her. I knew she had grown up outside the city, probably in a more rural area, and was trying hard to fit into more classy and elegant circles. She mostly functioned as a background character in the lesbian scene who held a secret that would help solve the mystery (because of course this story was always a mystery).

2021: This was about at the time I was re-developing the story and laying out the groundwork for a new version of the comic. Despite scrapping the house parties, I wanted to redraw that specific scene... mostly because I liked her dress. Marjorie's hair, similar to Evelyn, was something I became more comfortable drawing with time. In 2021, you can see me trying to separate the way her somewhat messy waves and curls fell. Like I said, at this point I knew the house party scene with Marjorie wasn't going to happen, but I wasn't sure what her exact role would be. Was she a hopeful performer? Someone who performed alongside Evelyn in the Vaudeville club? Something else entirely? What was her life like when she wasn't singing? Well...

2024: Marjorie Miller is a married woman, living her perfect, heterosexual, suburban housewife life with her dearest husband George. This might seem like a hard pivot—it also feels like a hard pivot to her old friends Oretta and Evelyn, both of whom she's mostly fallen out of touch with. Despite the changes in her life, she is content with how it's worked out for her, or at least pretends to be. Still, beneath the picture-perfect surface is a woman who was, in every version of the story, desperate to fit-in and who is living a life that feels out of her depth.

Oretta Adams

2018/19: I don't have a drawing for this, but my earliest ideas for Oretta included her arriving in Portapolis on a train. This was always her introduction and it's how she arrives to the city in Ballyhoo, too. Back then, I knew she was an old friend of Marjorie's and Evelyn's who would open up an aspect of the mystery and story that both of them wanted to keep hidden for whatever reasons. I'm sure this sounds woefully underdeveloped—and that's because at that time, it really was. However, this was around the time where I started to have an inkling that maybe the trio's shared past was in the circus.

2021: Because her introduction was so vivid in my mind, a lot of Oretta's early concept art is her at the train station. Pictured in 2021 is a more relaxed version of Oretta: she smokes, she's dressed very casually and comfortably, and, of course, she has her suitcase. It was important to me that she always dressed for comfort and for herself first and foremost. This is part of why Oretta's outfits in the current story consist of a lot of 40s work-pants and sweaters.

2024: As I started writing the comic in 2021/22, it became shockingly apparently that Oretta was the main character of the story. Her being the factor that opens up secrets multiple people wanted to keep hidden put her in a prime place to act as both outsider and instigator. Oretta, Marjorie, and Evelyn share a background in circus performance and it started to make sense that she would be a writer/playwright, taking her experience in showbiz to a backstage role. And it is her play—possibly inspired by past events—that triggers the main events of the story. Her play is a catalyst for too many things coming out, and everyone seems to have a good reason for wanting to make sure the show will not go on.

In Conclusion...

Ballyhoo has been a long time in the works! I hope this is interesting, or maybe even inspiring for those starting longer stories? Things will take time, but it will be worth it. I'm really happy that Ballyhoo: Book One is out there in the world, and I'm honestly so excited to get to keep working on this project. I might do more posts like this about other characters or other aspects of the story—again, it's been in development for what seems like a pretty long time and I have a lot of thoughts about how different aspects of the story have played out.

[sirbarnb]

<I love to rate superhero/villain costumes. It's my bread and butter. I rate based off look, comfort and most importantly, if any body part could... Slip out of the suit if physics existed>

What the fuck is this 😂

Where do I start. Well this would only feel right in place on a Halloween night in a Pryzm (that's a nightclub for anyone who isn't over 18). I also found out with this image that Invisible Woman has some weird ass Anti Invisible Woman called Malice. (ma)lice is a shit outfit right?? RIGHT?

We'll start with that helmet. Horrific, really bad. Like the current Amazing Spiderman run bad. Like Doctor Strange MoM bad. Morbius (movie) bad. Emoji Movie bad. That's the last anecdote I promise

What is she thinking with that, does she think she looks menacing? She looks like she came out of a Metal rock concert dressed as a Spikey Catwoman

I'm terms of everything else. When she's scrapping, who's gonna see it? Will they see the shit fucking cape hanging in the wind?

I just don't understand the logic here. Because she is the dark side of Sue, she wears black latex that shows more skin? I'd love to pick apart 80's writers and artists brains. It's just Donkey Kong and horny, innit? Nothings changed

I like the gloves and legs. It does work with the vibe but the suit is very bland and one dimensional and hangs on lonely teens enjoying it more than it actually going hard as a suit

That can't be comfortable, that can't be. She must be ITCHY bro. E45 on Aisle 4 for Invisible Woman, 4 boxes. She'll have so many tan lines I couldn't imagine the cut off ☠️. It's just not battle worthy. If I was civilian I wouldn't take her seriously

If physics existed in 616 she'd have many costume malfunctions. I feel like that's just obvious. She's lucky she's on an earth where physics don't work like that

2/10. I hate suits that just wouldn't work in a fight. No actress can wear this on a film. It's so strange. Comparing Malice to a Superior Iron-Man, or Hydra Cap. The difference is astounding

[davidchanus]

Revealed: The law firms with the best social life — 2019 edition

Unlimited bar tabs, festivals and a ‘Pedibus’! It’s work hard and play even harder for these corporate trainees

Corporate law and social life are two realms you wouldn’t normally think mix. After all, the City is notorious for its long hours, looming deadlines and copious amounts of paperwork which, it would seem, leave little time for leisurely pursuits. But it’s not all work and no play.

Ten law firms have been awarded our highest A* grade for social life in Legal Cheek‘s Trainee and Junior Lawyer Survey of over 2,000 trainees and junior associates at the country’s 80 leading corporate law firms.

As part of the exclusive survey, respondents were asked to rank their firm’s social life on a one to ten sliding scale, with one being ‘Assange’ and the top score of ten defined as, ‘Kardashian’.

Here is the shortlist, listed alphabetically, for the law firms with the best social life 2019…

Bristows

Bristows performed well across the board in this year’s survey, bagging A*s in six categories. The social scene at its Blackfriars base is highly rated. “There is always something going on,” says one rookie, “from the weekly drinks trolley to the black-tie dinner dance.”

Leading intellectual property practice Bristows, which overlooks the Thames, is not short of top-end bars, clubs and pubs in the vicinity. “Plenty of casual and more formal drinks events,” responds one insider.

One particular highlight that caught Legal Cheek‘s attention is the “Pedibus social around the City”. Drinks on board as you peddle your way through the streets of London taking in the hustle and bustle and City sights (while burning those calories) is definitely one way to socialise.

Browne Jacobson

The social scene at Nottingham-based national law firm Browne Jacobson is buzzing. “People will go out but no ‘obligation’ to be 5 pints down on a Thursday night,” reports one rookie. With Thursday’s like that, we can’t wait for Friday night!

Each year the firm allocates its trainees a social budget to be spent at will. Previous undertakings include trampolining, escapology and food tasting experiences at quirky eateries. We’re told these are great ways to catch up with fellow trainees since the group is split across the firm’s five offices.

A dedicated sports and social committee also hosts events which in the past have included Christmas shopping trips and pizza and prosecco nights.

Burges Salmon

The social life at Bristol-headquartered Burges Salmon is positively pumping (by corporate law standards). “I’ve just been to an escape room experience and cider tasting and I’m heading off to our summer party/festival at the zoo tonight with wine tasting next week… next question?” boasts one lucky trainee.

“I can’t lie. We have great socials and events going on all the time,” chimes another. “Roll on the Burges Salmon festival tonight!” Oh, what we’d give to be a fly on the wall there!

Indeed, the firm has a wide social offering, starting with its very own social club, BSocial. When they’re not busy at their desks, trainees can look forward to discounted theatre and cinema tickets as well as events and weekend trips away. Wine and cheese tasting, cupcake decorating and even make-up tutorials were reportedly on the roster this year.

The more sports-minded lawyers are well catered for. There are football, hockey and running clubs, as well as Pilates, yoga and circuits classes available at the firm for rookies to get involved in.

With so much on offer you’d be forgiven for thinking Burges’ lot receive more RSVPs than work emails, but one lawyer shares a somewhat more solemn response: “It is what you want to make of it.”

Charles Russell Speechlys

The vibe over at Fleet Street outfit Charles Russell Speechlys is “pretty good” so we hear. “There are usually social events going on, firmwide and departmentally,” reports one insider, while another remarks: “Almost too many social events (if you get involved).”

These events take the form of summer and Christmas parties — the last two of which have been held at The Savoy. There’s a “Sports Dinner” and “department drinks” and “Friday nights at the local pubs” — several of which are in close proximity to the private client specialist.

It’s not all dinner and drinks, though. These rookies are a close-knit group (Charles Russell has a small intake of around 25 trainees) and one source says that they often “play tennis, go for runs” together. How amiable.

K&L Gates

The London office of US outfit K&L Gates is a lively one.

Located in the heart of the City, in One New Change, a towering glass and steel construction that overlooks St Paul’s Cathedral and the fancy restaurant and shopping complex below, it’s no wonder this firm has one of the best social scenes in legal London.

A small cohort of just 16 trainees means they’re pretty pally. “We generally go for Thursday/Friday night drinks and trainees and NQs frequently organise ad hoc socials,” explains one respondent. On a late night, you might catch some trainees mingling over a pint or two at the firm’s very own rooftop bar.

RPC

RPC’s lot are a social bunch. A relatively small London trainee intake of ten gives the training contract experience a personal touch. “I often socialise with trainees and more broadly,” responds one insider, while another says “the trainees are always socialising, with “a lot of intra-departmental events put on which tend to be popular.”

The activity extends to social media. The firm’s trainees get to tweet and post pics from completely uncensored Twitter and Instagram accounts — @LifeInALawFirm — which features an array of pics including partner/trainee table football showdowns and trips to ‘Swingers’ crazy golf, among others.

The 2019 Firms Most List -- featuring the Legal Cheek Survey results in full

The scene seems to have survived the recent scrapping of the Hogwarts-style RPC “house system”, which saw trainees divided into separate groups. “We’re waiting to see whether full firm socials increase,” says one hopeful. But the signs at the moment are that it may even have benefitted from it, with RPC receiving its strongest ever score for social life in Legal Cheek‘s annual survey.

However, a busy social diary is all a bit much for one rookie: “I’m currently doing three to four socials a week with work. If anything it’s too much!”

Taylor Wessing

Top-rated for tech, Taylor Wessing is also a hub for social activity, or at least according to a handful of Legal Cheek spies.

One source tells us there are “lots of social events with different areas of the firm e.g. LGBTQ, the Arts Club, sports teams and regular socials for trainees.”

Taylor Wessing is indeed one of the City’s more ‘artsy’ law firms, having sponsored the National Portrait Gallery’s Photographic Portrait Prize for the 11th consecutive year. The Arts Club hosts regular lunchtime talks and offers free admission to all exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery.

It’s a scene that Taylor Wessing rookies are introduced to early in their careers, with future trainees reportedly receiving invites to the firm’s exclusive social shindigs.

Travers Smith

Travers Smith scored an impressive sweep of A*s in this year’s survey, including top marks for social life.

Location must have aided its score. The City law firm is situated in London’s EC1 area, allowing its lawyers to take full advantage of the wide array of nearby shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs after a hard day’s work. The Bishops Finger, for example, is a popular haunt among Travers lawyers and is a short walk from the firm’s Farringdon premises.

Bonds are further deepened through a recent office dress down policy in favour of a “business casual” approach and regular social events, including visits to Shakespeare’s Globe and “decathlon days out”.

Walker Morris

Another firm praised for its vibrant social life in our survey is Leeds’ Walker Morris. “We work hard and we really do play harder,” shares one Legal Cheek mole. Oo-er.

The A* social life at the firm has quite a reputation. “I have no doubt our social committee is the best around,” one trainee tells us, while another notes: “We’re very social and often organising a variety of events for either the whole firm, or within departments. Everyone is very friendly, so it is easy to get along and we enjoy spending time together outside of the office.”

Indeed, they do. The corporate player hosts charity events such as quizzes, rounders and dress down days. Plus we hear there’s “decent budgets behind the bars”. We’re pretty sure we’d spot trainees and associates bonding over after-work drinks at the many trendy bars just a stone’s throw away from the firm’s central location.

Wedlake Bell

Wedlake Bell’s lawyers have nothing but good to say about the firm’s social scene. Overall, feedback from respondents was very positive, with one rookie reporting: “I was surprised by how much socialising is encouraged by the firm. The social scene is very inclusive and there is something going on every week.”

The London player is tucked up nicely between Blackfriars and Cannon Street Tube stations on busy Queen Victoria Street. You’ll find a handful of juniors occasionally lunching together on the steps of nearby St Paul’s Cathedral, and as day turns to dusk, many will take to the plethora of City bars and pubs on the commercial outfit’s doorstep.

The firm with the best social life for trainees and junior lawyers will be announced at the Legal Cheek Awards 2019 on March 21 at the Cheesegrater in London.

Peruse all of the firm’s new 2018-19 survey scorecards — including training, quality of work, perks and much more — via the Legal Cheek Firms Most List 2018-19.

The post Revealed: The law firms with the best social life — 2019 edition appeared first on Legal Cheek.

from Legal News https://www.legalcheek.com/2019/01/revealed-the-law-firms-with-the-best-social-life-2019-edition/

[fayeburnsus]

Revealed: The law firms with the best social life — 2019 edition

Unlimited bar tabs, festivals and a ‘Pedibus’! It’s work hard and play even harder for these corporate trainees

Corporate law and social life are two realms you wouldn’t normally think mix. After all, the City is notorious for its long hours, looming deadlines and copious amounts of paperwork which, it would seem, leave little time for leisurely pursuits. But it’s not all work and no play.

Ten law firms have been awarded our highest A* grade for social life in Legal Cheek‘s Trainee and Junior Lawyer Survey of over 2,000 trainees and junior associates at the country’s 80 leading corporate law firms.

As part of the exclusive survey, respondents were asked to rank their firm’s social life on a one to ten sliding scale, with one being ‘Assange’ and the top score of ten defined as, ‘Kardashian’.

Here is the shortlist, listed alphabetically, for the law firms with the best social life 2019…

Bristows

Bristows performed well across the board in this year’s survey, bagging A*s in six categories. The social scene at its Blackfriars base is highly rated. “There is always something going on,” says one rookie, “from the weekly drinks trolley to the black-tie dinner dance.”

Leading intellectual property practice Bristows, which overlooks the Thames, is not short of top-end bars, clubs and pubs in the vicinity. “Plenty of casual and more formal drinks events,” responds one insider.

One particular highlight that caught Legal Cheek‘s attention is the “Pedibus social around the City”. Drinks on board as you peddle your way through the streets of London taking in the hustle and bustle and City sights (while burning those calories) is definitely one way to socialise.

Browne Jacobson

The social scene at Nottingham-based national law firm Browne Jacobson is buzzing. “People will go out but no ‘obligation’ to be 5 pints down on a Thursday night,” reports one rookie. With Thursday’s like that, we can’t wait for Friday night!

Each year the firm allocates its trainees a social budget to be spent at will. Previous undertakings include trampolining, escapology and food tasting experiences at quirky eateries. We’re told these are great ways to catch up with fellow trainees since the group is split across the firm’s five offices.

A dedicated sports and social committee also hosts events which in the past have included Christmas shopping trips and pizza and prosecco nights.

Burges Salmon

The social life at Bristol-headquartered Burges Salmon is positively pumping (by corporate law standards). “I’ve just been to an escape room experience and cider tasting and I’m heading off to our summer party/festival at the zoo tonight with wine tasting next week… next question?” boasts one lucky trainee.

“I can’t lie. We have great socials and events going on all the time,” chimes another. “Roll on the Burges Salmon festival tonight!” Oh, what we’d give to be a fly on the wall there!

Indeed, the firm has a wide social offering, starting with its very own social club, BSocial. When they’re not busy at their desks, trainees can look forward to discounted theatre and cinema tickets as well as events and weekend trips away. Wine and cheese tasting, cupcake decorating and even make-up tutorials were reportedly on the roster this year.

The more sports-minded lawyers are well catered for. There are football, hockey and running clubs, as well as Pilates, yoga and circuits classes available at the firm for rookies to get involved in.

With so much on offer you’d be forgiven for thinking Burges’ lot receive more RSVPs than work emails, but one lawyer shares a somewhat more solemn response: “It is what you want to make of it.”

Charles Russell Speechlys

The vibe over at Fleet Street outfit Charles Russell Speechlys is “pretty good” so we hear. “There are usually social events going on, firmwide and departmentally,” reports one insider, while another remarks: “Almost too many social events (if you get involved).”

These events take the form of summer and Christmas parties — the last two of which have been held at The Savoy. There’s a “Sports Dinner” and “department drinks” and “Friday nights at the local pubs” — several of which are in close proximity to the private client specialist.

It’s not all dinner and drinks, though. These rookies are a close-knit group (Charles Russell has a small intake of around 25 trainees) and one source says that they often “play tennis, go for runs” together. How amiable.

K&L Gates

The London office of US outfit K&L Gates is a lively one.

Located in the heart of the City, in One New Change, a towering glass and steel construction that overlooks St Paul’s Cathedral and the fancy restaurant and shopping complex below, it’s no wonder this firm has one of the best social scenes in legal London.

A small cohort of just 16 trainees means they’re pretty pally. “We generally go for Thursday/Friday night drinks and trainees and NQs frequently organise ad hoc socials,” explains one respondent. On a late night, you might catch some trainees mingling over a pint or two at the firm’s very own rooftop bar.

RPC

RPC’s lot are a social bunch. A relatively small London trainee intake of ten gives the training contract experience a personal touch. “I often socialise with trainees and more broadly,” responds one insider, while another says “the trainees are always socialising, with “a lot of intra-departmental events put on which tend to be popular.”

The activity extends to social media. The firm’s trainees get to tweet and post pics from completely uncensored Twitter and Instagram accounts — @LifeInALawFirm — which features an array of pics including partner/trainee table football showdowns and trips to ‘Swingers’ crazy golf, among others.

The 2019 Firms Most List -- featuring the Legal Cheek Survey results in full

The scene seems to have survived the recent scrapping of the Hogwarts-style RPC “house system”, which saw trainees divided into separate groups. “We’re waiting to see whether full firm socials increase,” says one hopeful. But the signs at the moment are that it may even have benefitted from it, with RPC receiving its strongest ever score for social life in Legal Cheek‘s annual survey.

However, a busy social diary is all a bit much for one rookie: “I’m currently doing three to four socials a week with work. If anything it’s too much!”

Taylor Wessing

Top-rated for tech, Taylor Wessing is also a hub for social activity, or at least according to a handful of Legal Cheek spies.

One source tells us there are “lots of social events with different areas of the firm e.g. LGBTQ, the Arts Club, sports teams and regular socials for trainees.”

Taylor Wessing is indeed one of the City’s more ‘artsy’ law firms, having sponsored the National Portrait Gallery’s Photographic Portrait Prize for the 11th consecutive year. The Arts Club hosts regular lunchtime talks and offers free admission to all exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery.

It’s a scene that Taylor Wessing rookies are introduced to early in their careers, with future trainees reportedly receiving invites to the firm’s exclusive social shindigs.

Travers Smith

Travers Smith scored an impressive sweep of A*s in this year’s survey, including top marks for social life.

Location must have aided its score. The City law firm is situated in London’s EC1 area, allowing its lawyers to take full advantage of the wide array of nearby shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs after a hard day’s work. The Bishops Finger, for example, is a popular haunt among Travers lawyers and is a short walk from the firm’s Farringdon premises.

Bonds are further deepened through a recent office dress down policy in favour of a “business casual” approach and regular social events, including visits to Shakespeare’s Globe and “decathlon days out”.

Walker Morris

Another firm praised for its vibrant social life in our survey is Leeds’ Walker Morris. “We work hard and we really do play harder,” shares one Legal Cheek mole. Oo-er.

The A* social life at the firm has quite a reputation. “I have no doubt our social committee is the best around,” one trainee tells us, while another notes: “We’re very social and often organising a variety of events for either the whole firm, or within departments. Everyone is very friendly, so it is easy to get along and we enjoy spending time together outside of the office.”

Indeed, they do. The corporate player hosts charity events such as quizzes, rounders and dress down days. Plus we hear there’s “decent budgets behind the bars”. We’re pretty sure we’d spot trainees and associates bonding over after-work drinks at the many trendy bars just a stone’s throw away from the firm’s central location.

Wedlake Bell

Wedlake Bell’s lawyers have nothing but good to say about the firm’s social scene. Overall, feedback from respondents was very positive, with one rookie reporting: “I was surprised by how much socialising is encouraged by the firm. The social scene is very inclusive and there is something going on every week.”

The London player is tucked up nicely between Blackfriars and Cannon Street Tube stations on busy Queen Victoria Street. You’ll find a handful of juniors occasionally lunching together on the steps of nearby St Paul’s Cathedral, and as day turns to dusk, many will take to the plethora of City bars and pubs on the commercial outfit’s doorstep.

The firm with the best social life for trainees and junior lawyers will be announced at the Legal Cheek Awards 2019 on March 21 at the Cheesegrater in London.

Peruse all of the firm’s new 2018-19 survey scorecards — including training, quality of work, perks and much more — via the Legal Cheek Firms Most List 2018-19.

The post Revealed: The law firms with the best social life — 2019 edition appeared first on Legal Cheek.

from Legal News And Updates https://www.legalcheek.com/2019/01/revealed-the-law-firms-with-the-best-social-life-2019-edition/

[alanafsmith]

Revealed: The law firms with the best social life — 2019 edition

Unlimited bar tabs, festivals and a ‘Pedibus’! It’s work hard and play even harder for these corporate trainees

Corporate law and social life are two realms you wouldn’t normally think mix. After all, the City is notorious for its long hours, looming deadlines and copious amounts of paperwork which, it would seem, leave little time for leisurely pursuits. But it’s not all work and no play.

Ten law firms have been awarded our highest A* grade for social life in Legal Cheek‘s Trainee and Junior Lawyer Survey of over 2,000 trainees and junior associates at the country’s 80 leading corporate law firms.

As part of the exclusive survey, respondents were asked to rank their firm’s social life on a one to ten sliding scale, with one being ‘Assange’ and the top score of ten defined as, ‘Kardashian’.

Here is the shortlist, listed alphabetically, for the law firms with the best social life 2019…

Bristows

Bristows performed well across the board in this year’s survey, bagging A*s in six categories. The social scene at its Blackfriars base is highly rated. “There is always something going on,” says one rookie, “from the weekly drinks trolley to the black-tie dinner dance.”

Leading intellectual property practice Bristows, which overlooks the Thames, is not short of top-end bars, clubs and pubs in the vicinity. “Plenty of casual and more formal drinks events,” responds one insider.

One particular highlight that caught Legal Cheek‘s attention is the “Pedibus social around the City”. Drinks on board as you peddle your way through the streets of London taking in the hustle and bustle and City sights (while burning those calories) is definitely one way to socialise.

Browne Jacobson

The social scene at Nottingham-based national law firm Browne Jacobson is buzzing. “People will go out but no ‘obligation’ to be 5 pints down on a Thursday night,” reports one rookie. With Thursday’s like that, we can’t wait for Friday night!

Each year the firm allocates its trainees a social budget to be spent at will. Previous undertakings include trampolining, escapology and food tasting experiences at quirky eateries. We’re told these are great ways to catch up with fellow trainees since the group is split across the firm’s five offices.

A dedicated sports and social committee also hosts events which in the past have included Christmas shopping trips and pizza and prosecco nights.

Burges Salmon

The social life at Bristol-headquartered Burges Salmon is positively pumping (by corporate law standards). “I’ve just been to an escape room experience and cider tasting and I’m heading off to our summer party/festival at the zoo tonight with wine tasting next week… next question?” boasts one lucky trainee.

“I can’t lie. We have great socials and events going on all the time,” chimes another. “Roll on the Burges Salmon festival tonight!” Oh, what we’d give to be a fly on the wall there!

Indeed, the firm has a wide social offering, starting with its very own social club, BSocial. When they’re not busy at their desks, trainees can look forward to discounted theatre and cinema tickets as well as events and weekend trips away. Wine and cheese tasting, cupcake decorating and even make-up tutorials were reportedly on the roster this year.

The more sports-minded lawyers are well catered for. There are football, hockey and running clubs, as well as Pilates, yoga and circuits classes available at the firm for rookies to get involved in.

With so much on offer you’d be forgiven for thinking Burges’ lot receive more RSVPs than work emails, but one lawyer shares a somewhat more solemn response: “It is what you want to make of it.”

Charles Russell Speechlys

The vibe over at Fleet Street outfit Charles Russell Speechlys is “pretty good” so we hear. “There are usually social events going on, firmwide and departmentally,” reports one insider, while another remarks: “Almost too many social events (if you get involved).”

These events take the form of summer and Christmas parties — the last two of which have been held at The Savoy. There’s a “Sports Dinner” and “department drinks” and “Friday nights at the local pubs” — several of which are in close proximity to the private client specialist.

It’s not all dinner and drinks, though. These rookies are a close-knit group (Charles Russell has a small intake of around 25 trainees) and one source says that they often “play tennis, go for runs” together. How amiable.

K&L Gates

The London office of US outfit K&L Gates is a lively one.

Located in the heart of the City, in One New Change, a towering glass and steel construction that overlooks St Paul’s Cathedral and the fancy restaurant and shopping complex below, it’s no wonder this firm has one of the best social scenes in legal London.

A small cohort of just 16 trainees means they’re pretty pally. “We generally go for Thursday/Friday night drinks and trainees and NQs frequently organise ad hoc socials,” explains one respondent. On a late night, you might catch some trainees mingling over a pint or two at the firm’s very own rooftop bar.

RPC

RPC’s lot are a social bunch. A relatively small London trainee intake of ten gives the training contract experience a personal touch. “I often socialise with trainees and more broadly,” responds one insider, while another says “the trainees are always socialising, with “a lot of intra-departmental events put on which tend to be popular.”

The activity extends to social media. The firm’s trainees get to tweet and post pics from completely uncensored Twitter and Instagram accounts — @LifeInALawFirm — which features an array of pics including partner/trainee table football showdowns and trips to ‘Swingers’ crazy golf, among others.

The 2019 Firms Most List -- featuring the Legal Cheek Survey results in full

The scene seems to have survived the recent scrapping of the Hogwarts-style RPC “house system”, which saw trainees divided into separate groups. “We’re waiting to see whether full firm socials increase,” says one hopeful. But the signs at the moment are that it may even have benefitted from it, with RPC receiving its strongest ever score for social life in Legal Cheek‘s annual survey.

However, a busy social diary is all a bit much for one rookie: “I’m currently doing three to four socials a week with work. If anything it’s too much!”

Taylor Wessing

Top-rated for tech, Taylor Wessing is also a hub for social activity, or at least according to a handful of Legal Cheek spies.

One source tells us there are “lots of social events with different areas of the firm e.g. LGBTQ, the Arts Club, sports teams and regular socials for trainees.”

Taylor Wessing is indeed one of the City’s more ‘artsy’ law firms, having sponsored the National Portrait Gallery’s Photographic Portrait Prize for the 11th consecutive year. The Arts Club hosts regular lunchtime talks and offers free admission to all exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery.

It’s a scene that Taylor Wessing rookies are introduced to early in their careers, with future trainees reportedly receiving invites to the firm’s exclusive social shindigs.

Travers Smith

Travers Smith scored an impressive sweep of A*s in this year’s survey, including top marks for social life.

Location must have aided its score. The City law firm is situated in London’s EC1 area, allowing its lawyers to take full advantage of the wide array of nearby shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs after a hard day’s work. The Bishops Finger, for example, is a popular haunt among Travers lawyers and is a short walk from the firm’s Farringdon premises.

Bonds are further deepened through a recent office dress down policy in favour of a “business casual” approach and regular social events, including visits to Shakespeare’s Globe and “decathlon days out”.

Walker Morris

Another firm praised for its vibrant social life in our survey is Leeds’ Walker Morris. “We work hard and we really do play harder,” shares one Legal Cheek mole. Oo-er.

The A* social life at the firm has quite a reputation. “I have no doubt our social committee is the best around,” one trainee tells us, while another notes: “We’re very social and often organising a variety of events for either the whole firm, or within departments. Everyone is very friendly, so it is easy to get along and we enjoy spending time together outside of the office.”

Indeed, they do. The corporate player hosts charity events such as quizzes, rounders and dress down days. Plus we hear there’s “decent budgets behind the bars”. We’re pretty sure we’d spot trainees and associates bonding over after-work drinks at the many trendy bars just a stone’s throw away from the firm’s central location.

Wedlake Bell

Wedlake Bell’s lawyers have nothing but good to say about the firm’s social scene. Overall, feedback from respondents was very positive, with one rookie reporting: “I was surprised by how much socialising is encouraged by the firm. The social scene is very inclusive and there is something going on every week.”

The London player is tucked up nicely between Blackfriars and Cannon Street Tube stations on busy Queen Victoria Street. You’ll find a handful of juniors occasionally lunching together on the steps of nearby St Paul’s Cathedral, and as day turns to dusk, many will take to the plethora of City bars and pubs on the commercial outfit’s doorstep.

The firm with the best social life for trainees and junior lawyers will be announced at the Legal Cheek Awards 2019 on March 21 at the Cheesegrater in London.

Peruse all of the firm’s new 2018-19 survey scorecards — including training, quality of work, perks and much more — via the Legal Cheek Firms Most List 2018-19.

The post Revealed: The law firms with the best social life — 2019 edition appeared first on Legal Cheek.

from All About Law https://www.legalcheek.com/2019/01/revealed-the-law-firms-with-the-best-social-life-2019-edition/