Vacation Student Review

Being able to experience two different 'seats' was great during my two weeks at Taylor Wessing. This meant I was exposed to a range of different matters and clients. I especially enjoyed working with the Trade Marks, Copyright and Media department and especially on cases with brands I recognised. However, at times the number of tasks they set is tough especially as they expect you to juggle this with the group presentation preparation as well as the daily talks from different departments. Nevertheless, it gave a glimpse as to how hard you are expected to work as a trainee at the firm. The social events during the two weeks were also very enjoyable and meant that I was able to get to know the other vacation schemers and the trainees at the firm.

During my first week, I was given a lot of responsibility with the tasks I was set. For example, I was asked to write a letter to a well-known company to warn them about a potential trade mark infringement. In being given this task, it was good to feel valued and able to actively contribute to the work of the team. During my second week, many of the tasks I was given involved research, which although were interesting, they were not really contributing towards the work of the team Therefore I felt less valued that week.. Admittedly, the week I was there was a fairly quiet one for them so it was difficult to give me significant responsibility. Nevertheless, overall I did feel valued during my time there.

During my first week at Taylor Wessing, I felt the support and guidance was lacking. I hardly saw the supervisor that was assigned to me but admittedly, she was particularly busy that week. However, my 'trainee buddy' was particularly supportive and would always ask if I was ok and if I needed anything. My supervisor for my second week was also very supportive and would guide me through tasks step-by-step so I knew exactly what I was being asked to do. My 'trainee buddy' was also particularly supportive and took me to coffee during the week to see how I was getting on. Generally everyone (including partners!) I met at the firm took an active interest in me being there and were very quick to ask if I needed any help or advice. It was a great atmosphere to work in for two weeks.

I really enjoyed spending time in the Trade Marks, Copyright and Media department as I am doing a Intellectual Property module in my law degree next year. This meant I was able to get a basic understanding of some of the key principles of law in this area during the week. It was especially great to chat to team members who were experienced in the area. In addition, my research skills and ability to analyse a large amount of information definitely improved during the week. Team members were quick to offer advice and insights into how I could improve. I certainly learned and developed these skills noticeably during my time there.

The two week scheme was very well structured. We were given a clear timetable at the start of the week, detailing all the scheduled 'Focus On' meetings with different departments, the different social events and so on. If things on the schedule changed, we were told in good time via email. At times it almost felt a bit too structured as some days it was hard to have enough time to complete the tasks I had been given by my supervisor in addition to the meetings and 'Focus On' sessions that were scheduled. Nevertheless, it was good to be busy!

I really enjoyed the two weeks at Taylor Wessing. The atmosphere especially pleasant was because of how well we as vacation schemers got on as a group, especially during the urban golf and bowling night socials. I definitely felt as if I left with a new bunch of friends at the end of my time there. In addition, the team members I worked with during the week were very friendly and welcoming and if you needed to ask a question I felt as if someone would always be there to answer it if they could. This made it a very nice environment to work in.

During the two weeks, the level of 'personal' training and development was fairly limited. However, it was good to get feedback on some of the tasks I completed. This was helpful to see how I could develop and improve in the future. I wasn't able to receive feedback on other tasks and so at times I was unsure as to whether I was developing. Nevertheless, the whole experience was great in terms of gaining exposure to working life at a law firm and so I was definitely able to develop my professional character.

The firm was particularly good at highlighting what the role of the trainee. During our 'Focus On' sessions for example, each department would talk about what tasks trainees might be expected do and so on. Trainees themselves were very accessible during the two weeks and asking them questions about their role was actively encouraged. This made it very easy to understand what life would be like as a full-time trainee at the firm.

It was clear that Taylor Wessing were very proud to be a friendly firm, that put heavy emphasis on working together in teams. It was easy to see when talking to team members that the culture was not just something they spoke about, but was actively demonstrated in their work and the manner in which they conducted themselves around the firm. It was therefore clear to understand that the firm was genuinely committed to having a friendly and team-focused albeit hard-working culture. The 'values lunch' in which we discussed the firm's core values was also helpful in this regard.

At the end of the two weeks, I was definitely sure that I wanted to be a commercial solicitor. I had been actively engaged by the work I had experienced and contributed to and therefore confirmed to me that this was a career for me. I did however realise that it would be very hard work at times, but nevertheless I knew that I would be very suited to working in an environment such as at Taylor Wessing.

I was paid £500 for the two weeks I was working at Taylor Wessing. This was very helpful in covering my fairly significant travel expenses. It also left a bit of money left over which is always nice!

Yes, there were several opportunities to network and meet other employees at the firm. For example, the weekly social events offered a chance to chat to the trainees and get insights into their work. In addition, we were also able to meet partners and senior team members at the 'values lunch' in the second week. We were also actively encouraged to email team members if we wanted to chat or ask questions about their particularly area of work. I for example emailed a competition partner to ask for a chat which he accepted. It was great to be able to hear about his particular specialism especially as I am doing a competition law module next year.

The social events that were organised were lots of fun. The first week we went to an urban golf event, which although I do not play golf, was a cool experience. The second week we went to a local bowling alley and were given a private area for us vacation schemers and the trainees. These events were a great chance to get to know the group and were a nice reprieve from the (sometimes) stressful days we had had doing our tasks and activities. The budget for these events appeared to be large- there was always lots of great food and drink! One of the downsides was that the events went on fairly late which meant as I was commuting home that I would get back pretty late. They were definitely worth being slightly more tired the next day though!

Yes, I was able to talk to several trainees about the events that occur outside of work. For example, they have a weekly touch rugby team, a five-a-side football team and many others. I was even offered to come play football but unfortunately I was unable on that night. However, it was clear that Taylor Wessing actively encourage staff to get involved in activities outside of work.

Although at times the scheme was very tiring (the early mornings were killer!) I would wholeheartedly recommend the scheme to anyone, even if unsure if a career in law is for them. It was such a great experience of so many different types of work and skills and so I definitely learnt a lot. It was also so nice to meet a whole range of people with different backgrounds. It's not so often that you are sat next to a girl from Canada on one side and another from France on the other!