First-hand experiences

“I first met Taylor Wessing at the Manchester law fair. There were no preconceptions or strict criteria about who they wanted to meet; everyone was assessed as a trainee. I was also impressed with the personal touches during the application process. The partner who interviewed me had clearly digested the information on my application and tailored the questions accordingly, and I never felt the group exercise was an excuse to try and trip me up. The follow up from my assessment event was conducted by phone, not email – and it was never held against me that I’d done my work experience elsewhere!

“After my offer, I was invited to various events, including a tour of our new building while it was being constructed. This helped me to get to know others from my intake. Then, when we started, our initial training was intermixed with time in the department, which was a great way to help us settle in. All trainees are encouraged to get involved in the social side of things, whether that’s Friday night drinks, curry nights, team away-days or the summer party to celebrate the end of the financial year.

“My first impressions haven’t changed. I’ve always seen Taylor Wessing as a firm where there are some very bright legal minds – people who work hard and are very good at what they do, but they’re still very human. It’s a really congenial team. Just like any law firm, you have partners, associates and trainees, but job titles are never a barrier to talking to anyone and getting the support you need. They also believe in giving credit where it’s due and regular Taylor Wessing Excellence Awards recognise effort and contribution. And if you’re willing to learn the skills to be a forward-thinking lawyer, you will be given responsibility. In my current seat within the Construction and Engineering Group, I’ve been trusted with tasks such as drafting court documents, managing a contentious file and compiling pitches to potential clients. I also drafted the ancillary documents for the Ability Group’s acquisition of the 216-room Hilton Liverpool from Grosvenor Estates – a massive deal.”