Weightmans Flashcards
Why do you want to work for our company?
The primary reason I applied to Weightmans was its investment and respect for young people and the future. I read that Weightmans was awarded the Best Apprenticeship programme in Professional services last year which really demonstrates to me that Weightmans is committed to develop the future of law. Not only that but the amount of initiatives and work that is put to make the firm into a community and not just a business is something I really admire, from the Weightmans Wellness week to the charity work such as the Liverpool Santa Dash, it just really feels like a firm that looks after its employees which ultimately improves the work and somewhere I wish to be.
And yet, even with all of this, I really respect Weightmans’ ambition as a firm. It obviously has clear goals of becoming a Top 30 law firm, but also really embraces growth through elements such as the PREDICT ai model. Moreover, Weightmans is a full service firm, which means as an apprentice, I hope to be exposed to a wide range of seats and sectors to constantly improve myself as a solicitor. Particularly in the Newcastle office which I have applied for, I read the corporate team made a record-breaking number of 132 deals in 2024, which is certainly makes me very excited to work there as a potential apprentice
Can you tell me the 3 values of Weightmans and which one you resonate with most and why?
- Radical transparency
- Teamwork and respect
- Enterprise
For me, I resonate most with radical transparency as I believe that as an aspiring lawyer, it is the core of our services. Having integrity is essential for building strong rapport with your colleagues as well as clients, which is essential as a degree apprentice. A key example of this was during my role in a cafe where I accidentally overcharged the customer for their coffee. Although they did not notice, I ensured to apologise and inform them of the mistake, rectifying it and applying for a refund immediately. I learnt that although it may not have mattered in the moment, leading with integrity is the easiest way to generate the most reliable results and best customer connections without the guilt of negative consequences.
Tell us everything you know about the firm
Weightmans is a firm established in 1827 in Liverpool which has now expanded to 9 offices with over 1500 people in the UK with global links. In June 2022, it merged with RadcliffesLeBrasseur, enhancing its presence in London, Leeds, and Cardiff.
Currently, the firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services as a full service firm to diverse clients, including public organisations, private companies, and individuals. The Newcastle office which I am applying for.. particularly has a reputation in construction and transport with clients such as the NHS It has also had a particularly successful year, with the corporate team leading 132 deals. It aims to be a Top30 firm and is looking to achieve this through CSR, legal technology such as busib=ness consukting technology CyExcel and the campaign See the Possibility.
In June 2024, the firm was awarded the highest Platinum rating by EcoVadis, placing Weightmans in the UK’s top 1% of professional services companies for sustainability and social responsibility.
Who are Weightmans’ competitors and how do they distinguish themselves in the market?
Weightmans is a prominent UK law firm operating in a competitive legal market alongside firms such as DWF, Kennedys, and DAC Beachcroft. These firms offer a range of legal services across various sectors, including insurance, healthcare, and public services.
Weightmans distinguishes itself through its core purpose, “See the Possibility,” which emphasizes innovative thinking and a client-centric approach. This philosophy is supported by the firm’s values of radical transparency, teamwork and respect, and enterprise. By fostering a culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, Weightmans aims to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients.
Weightmans
Additionally, Weightmans has a dedicated Product and Innovation team that collaborates with clients to develop practical solutions, such as decision-making tools and predictive analytics models. This commitment to leveraging technology and innovation enhances efficiency and provides measurable benefits to clients.
Weightmans
By integrating its purpose-driven culture with a focus on innovation and client service, Weightmans sets itself apart from its competitors in the legal industry.
What is the firm’s slogan?
SEE THE POSSIBILITY
What are the firm’s values?
Radical transparency
Teamwork and respect
Enterprise
What are the firm’s key practice area strengths?
Insurance Law – A top-tier firm advising insurers on claims, litigation, regulatory issues, and specialty insurance.
Public Sector & Healthcare – A trusted legal partner for NHS trusts, local authorities, and government bodies.
What are the key financial performance points made from Weightmans’ 23/24 annual report?
- Income exceeded £140m (+12% from 22/23).
- Net profit reached £18m (+41.1%).
- Profit per equity partner (PEP) stood at £391k.
What are the key client growth points made from Weightmans’ 23/24 annual report?
- All seven key segments performed well.
- Six segments (Built Environment, Health, Individuals, Insurance, OMB, Public Bodies) saw double-digit revenue growth.
- Corporate segment grew by 6%.
- High-performing service lines: Employment, Property Litigation, Regulatory, and Specialty Insurance.
What are the expansion and innovation points made from Weightmans’ 23/24 annual report?
- Launched CyXcel, a cyber consulting business combining legal and technical expertise.
- CyXcel exceeded all strategic goals and expanded to North America in June 2024.
What are the staff recognition and growth points made from Weightmans’ 23/24 annual report?
- All employees received a £3,000 bonus for their contributions.
- Promoted 15 new partners (total now 248) and 12 new legal directors.
- Recruited 15 lateral partners.
What are the key strategic success and ESG commitment points made from Weightmans’ 23/24 annual report?
- Merger with RadcliffesLeBrasseur (2022) contributed significantly to organic growth and cost-saving synergies.
- Maintained Top Employer status, ranking 20th in the Top 75 Employer Index.
- Recognised for Best Apprenticeship Programme (Professional Services) at the Apprenticeship Guide Awards 2024.
- Achieved Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing in the top 1% of UK professional services firms for sustainability.
- Maintained ISO14001 & ISO50001 certifications.
- Committed to Net Zero by 2030 and launched an ESG Advisory Group.
What are the key financial stability and reporting adjustments points made from Weightmans’ 23/24 annual report?
- Financial reporting year changed to March 31, 2024 (resulting in an 11-month reporting period).
- For 11 months, income was £128.44m, net profit £16.49m.
- Cash reserves doubled from £3.4m to £6.9m.W
What are the key future outlook points made from Weightmans’ 23/24 annual report?
- Continued investment in people and workplace environment.
- Strong strategic positioning to progress towards becoming a Top 30 law firm.
- Strive to be NET0 by 2030
Where are Weightmans’ offices?
Bimingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle
What is Weightmans’ international reach?
- Legalink –> network of top tier commercial law firms that meet twice a year to discuss international matters. Only 1 of two UK law firms
- Insurance Law Global - 10 law firms across the globw
