Intern Review

My two weeks at Taylor Wessing were brilliant. There was a great variety of work to do; Graduate Recruitment organised presentations from each team in the firm so you get a good idea of every practice area the firm covers; and there was a good mix of social events to help you get to know the other vac scheme students and indeed the trainees who are already there.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that my colleagues became like family, but everyone at Taylor Wessing was extremely friendly, from trainees to partners, and the Graduate Recruitment team were very helpful. I was given plenty of work, whether drafting for partners or reviewing documents for trainees, and there were many chances to speak with trainees during the day and indeed after work. Every door is always open at the firm and if you have any questions, all you need do is ask!

My supervisors were fantastic. Taylor Wessing give you an appraisal for each week you work at the firm so you know how you are doing and what you need to improve as you go along.

I'm not sure you can be too busy on a vacation scheme- you want to make sure you get a good feel of what it is like to work at whichever organisation you're in, so keeping busy is the best way to do that! If you are proactive, you can get a huge variety of work from anybody at Taylor Wessing- in any one day I found myself doing tasks for trainees, associates and indeed partners.

At Taylor Wessing you are given the opportunity to take responsibility for drafts and correspondence- I was surprised at how far this was true, given I hadn't studied law before. Obviously you check through your work with someone before it is considered complete, but you are given plenty of chances to do meaningful work. Of course, if you feel you're not ready to take on responsibility, then it isn't placed on you, so make sure you ask!

I have finished my degree although I am sure the drafting skills I developed at Taylor Wessing will stand me in good stead for the GDL. As mentioned above, you get a great chance to hear about all the teams in the firm, so even if you work with two teams, you finish the scheme with a great understanding of what it is that Taylor Wessing do, and a good feel of the demands of working as a city lawyer.

Everyone at the firm is friendly and cares about your development over the course of the two weeks. The social events were a great opportunity to get to know the trainees. People are always happy to help and give you meaningful work, and as I've already mentioned, there was very much an open door policy, so when I had any questions, I knew I could ask them.

My experience of the vacation scheme made me feel as if I were an important part of both teams I was in, while at the same time giving me a chance to meet people from all over the firm- I think that this is a great balance.

I was given thorough and helpful appraisals by my two supervisors and my trainee buddies helped me get in touch with people in different areas of the firm so that my experience extended beyond the two teams I was in. Speaking to the Graduate Recruitment team, it was clear that everybody on the scheme is considered a very strong candidate for a training contract and as such, the firm is willing to invest plenty of time in you to ensure that you get the best impression possible of Taylor Wessing.

It's too early to know yet given that I finished the placement two days' ago, but as I mentioned, everyone on the scheme is considered a genuine candidate and the firm go the distance to ensure you have a good time too.

Taylor Wessing organised two social events during the week and drinks to book-end the vacation scheme. On other nights there was a good opportunity to meet up with people after work if they were free!

It's central London, so it's certainly not cheap as chips. That being said, the firm cover the costs at the pre-organised social events.

I live a good hour or so away from the firm so I'm not particularly well-versed; again, I'd say that as it's in the centre of London, it is as you might expect. There are plenty of pubs and bars to relax in after work, and the trainees will encourage you to go out with them too.

The firm can get you involved with their Pro Brono work if you ask. Social events certainly carry on beyond the hours stated on the timetable if you want them to.