Trail Blazing First Year Insight Day Review

The day as a whole was really enjoyable - we were given plenty of opportunity to chat to current trainees and the talk given by graduate recruitment was particularly useful for finding out application tips. The business game in the afternoon was also really interesting and helped to develop my commercial thinking; this was therefore excellent practice for the assessment centre.

Everyone there was really friendly, from the reception staff to the trainees themselves. There was plenty of opportunity to chat to them, yet at the same time it was all very casual, especially the drinks at the end. The trainees were really outgoing and personable, so it never felt awkward as networking can sometimes feel. I was also struck by just how 'normal' everyone there seemed - everyone appeared to have a good work/social balance.

We were provided with a number of application hints and tips by graduate recruitment, as well as how to approach the interview and assessment centre. As for the business game, we were given no support or guidance, yet in fairness this was so it could accurately replicate the group activity done at the assessment centre.

The tips and tricks for applying which I picked up were particularly useful and I can see myself using them for my future applications. As for the business game, this really helped to develop my commercial thinking, as well as to get an understanding of just what the term 'commercial awareness' actually means.

Whilst there was a clear timetable and structure for the day, which we were given, the timings of it were only loosely followed. Many of the talks went on for a far shorter amount of time than scheduled, with the result that there were a number of extra breaks which got repetitive and boring after a while.

The atmosphere was really positive throughout, particularly among the trainees, and this really rubbed off on everyone at the event. The office was bright and everyone seemed happy which in turn made all of us happy. They were also very friendly and willing to chat to us which was particularly positive to see

The firm were keen to ensure we understood the application process and the graduate recruitment team were very clear in explaining what that entailed and how we could succeed - they gave the impression they were eager for us all to do well. In terms of the business game, we had trainees on our table, assessing our performance, and they reported back so at the end, we were given general feedback on how we had done, so that we could improve on things for next time.

The trainees were especially useful to speak to for this as they told us not only what it was like to work at the firm, but also more basic things such as when they typically left the office or what seats you could choose to do. They also emphasised the culture and came across in a very genuine way in that it did not feel like they were lying to you just to sell the firm.

From the talk given by one of the senior partners, we were given a real insight into where the company was heading and what edge they had to ensure they remained above their other competitors. Then, by listening to the graduate recruitment team and current trainees, the firm's friendly and open-door culture became very apparent. They stressed the responsibility given to trainees and the way that everyone at the firm felt really valued.

I feel as though I was provided with a very genuine assessment of the firm and that they were not hiding anything from me. The business game in the afternoon, designed to improve commercial thinking, gave a real sense of what is expected for graduates who are applying; as this was of particular interest to me, it has definitely helped me to decide to pursue a legal career.

In terms of reimbursement, Taylor Wessing provided travel recompense of up to £60, however they did make clear that, were your travel to cost more than this, you should let them know.

The day began with an introduction from a senior partner, who described the direction the firm was heading and the challenges it faced, as well as answering any questions we had. The graduate recruitment team were very friendly in their presentation and invited us to chat with them if we had any further queries. There were also multiple opportunities to speak to current trainees, either over lunch, or over drinks at the end.

The networking opportunities over lunch were quite casual and gave us the opportunity to speak to current trainees. This was very useful, though I would have preferred it if there were current partners there too. The opportunity to socialise at the end of the day, with the trainees, over drinks was again very casual and they were very helpful and friendly in chatting about their experiences and answering any of our questions.

Whilst we were told that there were a variety of socials and sports teams on offer, this was by no means something which Taylor Wessing tried to sell themselves on, with only touch rugby being mentioned. There was also no mention of any pro-bono opportunities which I found particularly surprising.

Absolutely; although the firm presents itself as very innovative and forward-thinking on its website, it is only something you can judge for yourself when you visit the office in person. The day teaches you a lot about the skills required to succeed and how to best prepare yourself for life as a solicitor so in all it was very beneficial.