Magic Circle Firms

If you haven’t heard about the Magic Circle Law Firms, it is a term created in the 1990’s for the 5 most prestigious law firms in the UK which operate in commercial law.

The group of law firms is comprised of:

• Allen & Overy,

• Clifford Chance,

• Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer,

• Linklaters; and

• Slaughter & May.

These top law firms are extremely competitive to gain training contracts in due to their reputations. Their elite status comes from various factors including their revenue per lawyer, revenue per partner, their client base and the number of lawyers working for them. Although law is a competitive market overall, we shouldn't let your (possible) imposter syndrome or lack of confidence stop you if your goal is to work in one of these firms!

The Lawyer Portal has a specific insight from employees on their website to read - interviews covering training contract tips, applications, shadow working placements and much more!