Winter Vacation Scheme Participant Review

Overall, it was highly informative. Each day differed massively but commonly I shadowed trainees in the intellectual property team of the litigation department and reported back to my supervisor. I assisted the trainees with copyright and trademark tasks and I joined meetings with intellectual property lawyers across the world. Every day I attended an hour-long information session in the morning about different sectors at the firm like banking, corporate and capital markets.

I developed my evaluation skills because I had many tasks that involved reading over intellectual property infringement policies for different companies and comparing them. Therefore, I also developed my ability to pay very close attention to detail and my critical thinking because I had to weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of the policies and inform my supervisor and the trainees of any opportunities or threats that I believed could emerge from the policies.

The firm made information about all the potential roles easily accessible as they created many opportunities to speak with trainees who were in various seats. I attended seminars everyday for an hour where different trainees and seminars clearly explained how they obtained their roles and their motivations for being in their areas. Also, my supervisor openly explained the process for attaining roles in intellectual property which furthered my understanding of all the potential roles available.

The atmosphere was very friendly and open because the intellectual property department was structured so that 2-4 lawyers shared an office which created ample opportunities to talk to new people and feel very welcomed.

I strongly enjoyed the insight because I got to feel very involved with the intellectual property team. I got the opportunity to spend the day with the intellectual property lawyers in court with the barristers which was a unique insight because I got to see how lawyers operate outside the office.

Yes

I would encourage them to make sure that their work experience section of the application is well-detailed and carefully structured so that the firm can clearly see not just the tasks you did, but also the experience and skills you gained/ developed from your work experience. And then make sure to explain how those skills would make you suitable for A&O. Following a clear structure will make it more apparent why you are suitable.