Full time Education - GDL Student & (part time) waitress Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the Taylor Wessing Trailblazing Open Day as I was informed about the application process and exposed to the culture of the firm, by meeting various trainees, partners and the graduate recruitment team in an informal setting. I have attended various Open Days, specifically; Freshfields, Clifford Chance, and Ashurst. However, I felt the day at Taylor Wessing was far more engaging due to the Business Game.

I felt extremely valued during the day at Taylor Wessing. Firstly, the Business Game allowed candidates to demonstrate their abilities to Partners and the Graduate Team. Secondly, The friendly competitive nature of the game provided preparation for the reality of Assessment Days and the skills expected of a trainee. Finally, speaking to Sarah Harte, I was extremely impressed that upon request each individual is able to seek feedback from their input into the task. This therefore shows that the firm is already providing support and guidance to applicants.

From start to finish, I was constantly supported and guided throughout the day. I really enjoyed sitting with the trainees when we were preparing for the Business Game. Furthermore, the short introduction and Taylor Wessing Overview by Adam Marks, Senior Partner, demonstrated the importance of the Open Day to Taylor Wessing as a firm. Both Sarah Harte and Chloe Norris ensured everyone was clear on the instructions of the game and encouraged everyone to make the most of the day, such as asking specific questions to trainees and partners.

The skills I developed on the day, in the form of presentation and team working, will be adamant to my future career. As I am seeking a commercial legal career, this are both essential for success. The interpersonal skills, by networking and communicating with other applicants is also fundamental for any successful career. I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak to partners and trainees later on in the day over drinks and nibbles. This informal setting provided a platform to go into detail about the application and for me, to ask specific questions regarding my application. Other Open Days have provided various talks on specific departments i.e. Corporate- how a deal is made- maybe this is something TW could implement if the day was extended?

Extremely well structured as there was a clear structure to the timetable and this was presented to us from the beginning. Due to the nature of the day applicants were asking many questions and this led to some events overrunning and therefore cutting lunch short with the trainees. However, I would rather the questions be answered than ignored.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Open Day at Taylor Wessing. To date, it is the most informative Open Day I have experienced, due to the variety of activities. The 'Overview of the Application Process' with Amar Ali was extremely useful and I commend his informal and engaging style of presentation. Lunch with the trainees was a great insight into the culture of the firm. Personally, the greatest aspect of the day was the Business Game as it allowed a platform to practice individual presentation skills and working within teams. Supervision by the trainees and assessment by Partners demonstrated how Taylor Wessing valued each candidate. I will be definitely be making an application!

See answers above.

The day confirmed my belief that I would like to obtain a training contract with Taylor Wessing and pursue a career in commercial law.

I was fully reimbursed expenses despite my train fare being very expensive, due to peak times etc.

Yes, throughout the whole day. Specifically at lunch, at the Business Game and a Q&A drinks reception.

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