Legal Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight scheme. I believe that it gave me a greater understanding of not only the commercial legal world, but also the culture at Taylor Wessing. I was able to interact with lawyers of the firm at all levels, and across several departments, giving me a real flavour of the type of work that the firm does. I really enjoyed meeting other fellow Vacation Schemers who were all like-minded individuals, and it provided a valuable opportunity for me to extend my legal network.

I felt extremely valued during my time at Taylor Wessing. My supervisors and trainee buddies were very helpful and always willing to take time out to explain things to me. I felt like a true part of the team at all times, and I believe that this something which differentiates Taylor Wessing from its competitors. It was really great to be able to walk into the office every morning with everyone knowing your name- so you really do feel like you are part of the firm during your time there.

I received a lot of guidance and support during the vacation scheme. It was really reassuring knowing that each of us had a trainee buddy that we could ask any questions to. Also, the fact that the trainee was in the same position as us only a few years ago meant that they were really well placed to answer any questions that I had. It was also really good to have an appraisal after the first week, so that we could reflect on valueable feedback given for the following week.

The skills that I developed during the Vacation Scheme were invaluable and will no doubt be transferable to my degree and beyond. In particular, I was really able to develop my networking skills and this is a vital skill that is needed in any business profession. I also think that the skill of organisation was certainly built upon during the scheme. When given several tasks to do by a given deadline, it ensures that you can priortise tasks depending on their importance.

The insight was excellently structured. We were given talks everyday by different lawyers from their respective departments. This allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the work that the firm is currently undertaking within each department, and also allowed us to ask any questions. It was really good to see what other departments were working on, as in a two weeks period, it would be very difficult to otherwise have exposure to each and every department.

The atmosphere was extremely friendly and welcoming. We were given a talk by the managing partner, and therefore this supports the firms identity that is is a truly open door, non hierarchical firm. All the other interns were extremely supporting of one another and we all got a chance to work closely together as part of the group presentation which we had to deliver at the end of the two weeks. Everyone that you encounter at the firm has a smile on their face and is willing to help you, in any way that they can!

The firm has a rigid structure to ensure that you can develop as an intern over the two weeks. Having an appraisal at the end of the first and second week allows you to get valuable feedback from your supervisor as to what you have done well, and also what you can do to ensure that you are even better going forward. It is really great to be able to reflect on this, and actually implement some of the suggestions.

In my opinion, the firm strives to give interns the same sort of work that a trainee would do and therefore you have a real insight into what working at the firm as a full time trainee would be like. The structure of the two weeks where you are given various talks and opportunities to ask trainees questions also gives you the chance to clarify exactly what they do on a day to day basis.

The insight is invaluable in terms of understanding the firms culture. Taylor Wessing has a renowned reputation for being an extremely friendly firm that fosters an open door policy, but when you are actually working in the office you realise that this conception could not be any more true! Even the partners are willing to give so much time to explain things to you, and answer any questions that you may have.

The content is a key guiding factor in helping me to decide my future career path. I think that being given so much information means that you are able to come to an informed decision at the end of the two weeks with the firm as to whether you could see yourself working there. For me personally, the two weeks spent with the firm has only increased my desire to work there in the future.

You are paid every week and also reimbursed for any expenses which you my incur.

There were several social and networking opportunities for you to meet other employees of the firm. The desire to attend these events by lawyers at the firm is remarkable! You really do get a sense that they are so happy to be able to tell you more about the firm and the work that they do, in order to help you decide if the firm is the right place for you to start your legal career.

These were really well organsied and also very well attended. We were able to have dinners and drinks with other trainees, lawyers and partners. Also, the opportunities to socialise with your fellow interns was really great especially as all the interns have come from such a diverse background. Also it is really good to be able to get other interns views on things.

We were informed of any opportunities that there are to get involved in activities outside of work on the first day. Therefore, this allowed us to consider if and when we would also like to get involved in it during our time with the firm. I was lucky enough to shadow lawyers during their pro-bono work, advising clients on legal matters. This was a really great opportunity to see the lawyers of the firm thinking on the spot and advising clients.

I would certainly recommend the insight to a friend.