Taylor Wessing Trainee Profile
Amy Cheng | Trainee Solicitor
Scheme: Training contract
University: University of York
Degree: LLB Law (with a year abroad), graduated in 2020
Why did you decide on a career in law?
In Sixth Form, I took part in a social mobility "Discover Law" programme ran by the University of Sheffield for those who might be interested in seeking a career in law. Having had no prior interest, I attended court trips (including the Supreme Court where I met Baroness Hale!) and took part in mock trials and debates, as well as receiving ongoing support for applications and invites to career taster sessions. I had an amazing experience throughout which eventually convinced me to pursue a law degree, and the rest is history.
Why did you choose to train with Taylor Wessing?
The focus on technology and intellectual property is what initially drew me to Taylor Wessing. Then, on the vacation scheme, I felt that the people at the firm were ones that I could get along with and work with on a daily basis. Everyone was super friendly and accommodating, and the closeness of my trainee cohort is also a testament to how the firm recruits individuals who are open-minded and personable.
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
My tasks range from attending and taking minutes of meetings, preparing first drafts of letters and court documents, to conducting research which then feeds into an advice memo that I'll write up in an email. My days are really varied in my current seat – Disputes & Investigations – and no two days are the same! This is something I really appreciate in this team.
What is a project or deal you enjoyed working on?
We represented a cryptocurrency exchange in their defence of alleged misrepresentations made by our client which induced the other side into entering into a subscription agreement for a Series B investment round. This case gave me a ton of experience and taught me a lot – there was even a mediation which I attended earlier this year which was really fun. We are in the process of finalising the settlement agreement with the other side at the moment – with a payment to our client, which is a hugely successful outcome. As this matter was made up of a small team (myself, an associate, and partner), it gave me a lot of responsibilities and in turn bolstered my own self-confidence in being proactive and managing my own workstreams.
What do you enjoy being a trainee solicitor?
How varied the work is, and how intellectually stimulating a lot of the research / analysis can be. I enjoy that I get to use and apply knowledge that I've learned previously in my degree / LPC and that I get the opportunity in this role to continue learning with the added element of gaining practical experience!
What are the challenges?
Long hours, having to work weekends, and oftentimes just being really busy and having to manage your time and capacity in a transparent manner.
What training you have received?
We had induction training for the first two weeks of the training contract, followed by a lot of team-specific training sessions over the next month or two. In my current seat, we also have frequent "know-how" sessions which will cover important updates to existing rules / legislation or shifts in market trends what will impact us and our clients. Occasionally, there are also ad hoc training sessions for specific things, like IT / Excel training or how to use our in-house AI tool.
What networks you are involved in?
I sit on the Pro Bono Committee as a trainee representative, and also the Blackfriars Committee.
What makes our firm a great place to work?
The people, atmosphere, along with a general understanding on flexible working and that people have commitments outside of work that they shouldn't be expected to sacrifice. When I have quieter days, I'm never expected to stay past a certain time and I don't feel guilty for leaving earlier than usual – which is fantastic.
What advice can you give to other aspiring solicitors?
It's a long and difficult process to secure a training contract, and increasingly competitive – it took me a few application cycles to secure offers, but I would say just don't let this demoralize you and continue applying and working on these applications to the best of your ability. Filter out a few that you are really interested in (don't go for a scattergun approach!) and reach out to people at the firms already for opportunities to chat and network.
Daisy Parker | Solicitor Apprentice
Scheme: Solicitor Apprenticeship
Team: Real Estate, Environment and Planning
Why did you decide on a career in law?
I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in law when I was studying my GCSEs and so the decision to apply for an apprenticeship in the field was an easy one for me. At school I enjoyed subjects that required me to take part in an element of reasoning. I particularly enjoyed History and Politics, both being subjects that required me to question the motivations of individuals and consider causal factors leading to an event. It was through my love of these subjects that I confirmed that I wanted to work in law.
Why opt for an apprenticeship over other qualification routes?
As soon as I found out that there was the opportunity to study Law as an apprentice, I knew that this was a route that would suit me perfectly. As an individual who enjoys learning through experience, the apprenticeship scheme at Taylor Wessing gives me the perfect balance of academics and practical work experience. I enjoy a challenge and this is something that the apprenticeship presents every day, each day brings new tasks meaning that I am constantly learning and jumping new hurdles. This way of learning through being encouraged to attempt complex tasks and being mentored by colleagues, is one that I feel I enjoy a lot more than traditional study and is what pushed me to apply for a role as a Solicitor Apprentice.
How did you find and apply for your apprenticeship?
I conducted my own research in order to find my apprenticeship. The apprenticeship route wasn't something that my school had discussed in great detail and so I actually found out about Solicitor apprentices fairly late into Year 13. Taylor Wessing had advertised their scheme on their website and upon seeing this, I immediately knew that this was a route that I wanted to apply for. The application process began with an online form, similar to a personal statement that you would write for uni, the firm then reviewed these and decided which individuals would move onto their assessment process.
Tell us about your apprenticeship?
The legal apprenticeship at Taylor Wessing is a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, meaning that at th5 end of my 6 years at the firm I will be a qualified Solicitor and will be able to practice as such. I will spend my first 4 years rotating annually among the vast variety of departments within the firm, working in the office for four days a week and studying an LLB in Law at the University of Law for one day a week. At the end of these first four years I will join the Trainee Solicitor Cohort, this is the firm's cohort of graduates who are working towards qualification. Once I have joined the trainee cohort, I will begin 6 monthly rotations, however instead of using one day a week to study for my LLB, I will instead be working towards my Solicitor Qualifying Exam
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
I am currently sitting within Taylor Wessing's Real Estate department and so my day to day tasks will vary from the two other apprentices in my cohort who sit within our Corporate and Disputes seats. I have quickly learnt that Real Estate is a very transactional area of law and so on a typical day I am assisting with quick moving matters. A typical day for me consists of a workload that is a mix of that of a paralegal and a trainee. This means that I frequently get involved with post-completion tasks such as registering deeds and the Land Registry and liaising with paralegals to submit SDLT information. However, I am also able to pick up work that would be typical of a trainee, such as drafting leases and licences for my colleagues to review. As an apprentice in Real Estate I am trusted with a large amount of responsibility, meaning I have frequent contact with both clients and counterparties.
What do you enjoy about your apprenticeship?
The part of my apprenticeship that I enjoy the most is definitely the range of people that I am able to work with. The Real Estate department at Taylor Wessing works closely with out planning and construction teams and so I have been able to undertake work from all three of the subsectors. The individuals that I get to work with are experts in their field however will always make time to meet and discuss tasks as well as review and give personal feedback on any work that I have done. I really enjoy these development talks as it allows me to realise my progression as well as attempt new tasks.
What are the challenges?
I think the biggest challenge for me was probably adapting to working life and the expectations of this. It is definitely a very different environment to school, but one that I think you can definitely thrive within. I found it difficult to manage my workload to begin with, often trying to get tasks done as quickly as possible and putting a lot of pressure on myself to do this, especially when I had multiple transactions running at once. However, after being in the Real Estate team I quickly realised that it is more than okay to take your time on tasks, in fact sometimes this is preferred to ensure a better quality! Everyone in the department is working on a large number of deals and so it is absolutely fine to prioritise your workload. This is definitely something that comes with time but the jump from school to work will definitely be supported by colleagues.
How do you balance working with studying?
The balance between working and studying is inevitably one that took me a month or so to get used to, however it did become a lot easier once I established my routine. I usually study on a Friday, which I find means that I have the remainer of the week to focus purely on working. As typical of a law degree, my University work is definitely demanding however I have been extremely lucky with the way in which the firm understands this. I meet with my supervisors once a week to update them on my study and they are able to alter my workload depending on my weekly University tasks. If I find that I have a particularly content heavy week at University then I am always able to ask for a reduced workload to compensate for this.
Can you debunk a myth about working in law?
I think one misconception that I had about working as an apprentice/trainee in law is that the work is very administrative and that you do not get to take on a client facing role until you are a qualified solicitor. However, this couldn’t be further from wrong. When you become an apprentice, you are immediately thrown into the deep end and given the opportunity to work on a variety of complex matters, however the reassuring aspect of this is that you will always be supervised and given any support needed from both Partners and Associated within the team.
What are your career ambitions?
I am definitely looking forward to qualifying into Law and being able to take on high profile matters within my practice area, wherever this may be. The great thing about the apprenticeship route is that I will be able to experience 8 different practice areas before finally deciding which department I would like to qualify into. In all honesty, I don’t know at the moment which area of law I would like to specialise in and I think this is something that you will never know for sure until you have experienced a wide range of different sectors. I'm looking forward to moving around the firm for the next 6 years and to deciding where I would like to qualify.
What advice can you give to other aspiring apprentices?
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone who is considering an apprenticeship route I would say to be confident in yourself an in your knowledge of your chosen career path. Nobody is expecting you to be an expert in your field at 18, in fact you are expected to make mistakes when learning through this route. If you are outgoing as an individual and passionate about your chosen industry a firm can see this instantly and are always looking for individuals who are ready to learn, not who know everything already!
Evie Mason | Trainee Solicitor
Scheme: Training contract
University: Durham University
Degree: Law LLB, graduated 2021
Why did you choose to train with Taylor Wessing?
I chose to train with Taylor Wessing because from the outset, it was clear to me that the firm actively seeks out the most challenging and intellectually stimulating work, offering a unique environment for professional growth. It's clear from my training so far that this ambition is channelled at every level, with trainees encouraged to take on more challenging and more rewarding work. Beyond that, it was the firm's genuine interest in the development of its people which played a significant role in my decision. With a cohort of just 20 trainees each year, Taylor Wessing's close-knit and collegiate culture fosters a great level of teamwork and collaboration, and I've found it to be the perfect place to build lasting relationships with colleagues.
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
As a trainee in Private Equity, my day can be dynamic and varies widely. My mornings may begin with drafting and reviewing ancillary documents to a transaction, such as corporate approvals. Conducting due diligence is a significant part of my role; whether acting buyside or sell side you are often responsible for co-ordinating specialist teams around the firm to input into a due diligence report. I've found this to be a brilliant way to get to know other lawyers across the firm and learn about different areas of law. In addition, I often assist with project management, ensuring all aspects of a deal progress smoothly and on time (particularly when it comes to getting documents signed!). As a trainee, I have been given an excellent level of responsibility and the ability to really get stuck into matters. This hands-on experience has given me a valuable insight into such a fast-paced field.
What do you enjoy about being a trainee solicitor?
The opportunity to experience and learn about four departments in the firm has been invaluable for me. Not only have do trainees have the ability to explore new areas of law but they also have the opportunity to build a good foundation of cross-departmental knowledge which will undoubtedly be beneficial in the future. I have particularly enjoyed that whilst in Private Equity, I have been able to work with my former team in Banking & Finance, and my pre-existing relationships have enabled this to be a collegial experience.
What are the challenges?
One of the main challenges of being a trainee is being able to juggle multiple tasks and competing deadlines, whilst trying to keep on top of everything and manage expectations. In transactional seats, you're often faced with pressing deadlines and must be quick to adapt when circumstances change. Although sometimes challenging, being able to demonstrate your ability to stay on top of matters is something which is internally rewarding, and also recognised by both your team and the client. Throughout my training contract so far, I've been presented with new challenges and opportunities to take on a higher level of responsibility. No doubt this wouldn't be possible without the firm's genuine camaraderie, supportive leadership, and recognition of hard work.
What makes the firm a great place to work?
I think Taylor Wessing is a great place to work because you are able (and encouraged) to get involved in all aspects of the firm outside of your day-to-day work. Personally, I'm a member of the Trainee Solicitor Council which organises social events for trainees and acts as a representative body of our cohort. Responsible business is also a big part of Taylor Wessing and I've had lots of exposure to this, for example, I'm part of the Social Mobility Committee, one network which aims to encourage social mobility opportunities at Taylor Wessing and increase awareness of social mobility issues. As well as the networks, the firm also has excellent pro bono opportunities which I've had the pleasure to be involved with, such as the Blackfriars advice centre and the St Jude's reading programme. I've also been fortunate to receive a matched fundraising donation from the firm when I did the London Marathon earlier this year. I've found these opportunities have made Taylor Wessing a great place for both a professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling training contract.
Luke Harrison | Solicitor Apprentice
Scheme: Solicitor Apprenticeship
Team: Corporate
Why did you decide on a career in law?
I think the biggest factors in deciding to do law was simply the sheer variety of work and the potential to constantly be meeting new people!
To speak to the former saying, 'I want a career in law' naturally begets the follow up question 'what type of law?'. This breadth of work was the first pull. Further then that though the day-to-day work in the specific departments is really varied, meaning that each deal would be different, and I'd be facing a different challenge each day. This varied nature of the work was attractive to me - if you're going to make a career out of something you need to enjoy it!
The work itself that I had done before application (and have since done after joining) has been engaging, varied and at times challenging – which are all things I looked for in a career path.
To briefly speak to the latter – law as a career very much mirrors personal life insofar as your legal careers success is fundamentally based on the relationships you build, whether that be clients, colleagues or peers across the city – your network is what can make a good career into a great career.
Why opt for an apprenticeship over other qualification routes?
The traditional university route wasn’t an option– the debt formed a hard block for me. A few years ago, that likely would have been my legal career dead before it started.
But more than that, it comes back to why I wanted to do law in the first place. The work in law is engaging and diverse, and as such I wanted to get stuck into it as soon as possible, Further, if I want to start building my network from the beginning of my legal career, the best ways to do this were the apprenticeship.
How did you find and apply for your apprenticeship?
After a rather depressing conversation with my father about my lack of university prospects – I really was determined to break into law still. I looked on the Law Society website, and then the Legal Cheek website, and saw the solicitor apprenticeship route being discussed. I looked into the structure of what it was, realised that this was my way into law, and was dead set.
Applying was simple, the firm's website had a section dedicated to Solicitor Apprenticeships. Firms across London don’t make it overly complicated to apply. Its all down to the candidate.
Tell us about your apprenticeship
The apprenticeship is six years long. The first four years see me working towards my LLB. The next two see me working towards the SQE. This is a level seven-degree apprenticeship. At the end of the scheme, I will have an LLB with the option to convert that into masters equivalent, I will also be a fully qualified solicitor, having passed the SQE or any other end point exam.
Day to day I am in the office four days a week with Friday as a study day. On this off the job day, I work towards my university degree. I have completed Common Law and Tort – and I will be completing Contract law very soon.
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
Day to day I am drafting documents, ancillary transaction documents. This means Inputting information into documents, writing out proposed clauses, adapting documents to the current deal. Often, I am included in client calls, and I am often tasked with performing legal research on finer points of law, and providing a summary of guidance.
Further I work with business development a lot, which sees me tracking various information across excel and formatting it.
What do you enjoy about your apprenticeship?
I enjoy getting stuck into the work – dealing with real matter cases with real consequences. It is very rewarding to get that right.
What are the challenges?
The biggest jump was adapting from school to a flat 9-5 working life. It was challenging at first, especially with moving into London. It’s a completely new environment. Really though everyone is very supportive and completely understand this. It’s a challenge but an easily surmountable one.
How do you balance working with studying?
I treat the study day like a workday – up at 9:30 and work until its finished. As long as a rigid structure is kept in place balancing both studying and work is manageable.
Can you debunk a myth about working in law?
I sometimes come across an anxiety from aspirant apprentices about fitting in due to various diversity and social mobility points. I'll admit it's something that I was wondering about in the lead up to joining. I can only speak to my own experience, but this anxiety was put to bed quickly.
What are your career ambitions?
Very early to say this but City Century aims to have at least 100 new Partners created by the solicitor apprentice route by 2040. To the fullest extent this is possible, I would like to be one, to help show that Solicitor Apprenticeships are an extremely strong way to break into the legal sector.
What advice can you give to other aspiring apprentices?
Practical advice. You need to ask yourself why you're a good candidate and why you want to do law. The formative base for both of these answers will likely be your own personal lived experience. You need to remember this when applying.
Remember all your work experience, volunteering experiences, unique selling points, everything. Not only will this make application processes substantially easier, but it will also make you more confident. You need that confidence in yourself.
Remember why you want to do law too. Again, it’s something that will help your application, but more importantly when you inevitably face setbacks you need a good reason to keep moving forward. That drive will see you through to the end.
Megan Eaton | Trainee Solicitor
Scheme: Training contract
University: Durham University
Degree: Law LLB, graduated in 2019
Why did you choose to train with Taylor Wessing?
I chose to complete my training contract at Taylor Wessing due to the firm's unique approach towards fostering individuality and valuing its people. Since my first interaction with the firm, it was clear that every individual is encouraged to bring their unique perspectives and strengths to the table, creating a vibrant and inclusive work environment based. This focus on people has both enhanced my personal experience and my professional development.
Moreover, Taylor Wessing's commitment to innovation and new technologies has been a compelling driver for me. The firm actively embraces experimentation and cutting-edge solutions, both internally and for its clients. This forward-thinking attitude ensures that we are always ahead of the curve, offering state-of-the-art legal services that cater to the evolving needs of clients and employees in a rapidly changing world.
The firm’s expertise in media, brands, consumer industries, advertising, and technology further solidified my decision. With an unparalleled depth of knowledge in these sectors, Taylor Wessing stands as a leader in providing specialised legal advice. This expertise allows me to gain invaluable experience and insight into some of the most dynamic and influential industries today.
In summary, Taylor Wessing's dedication to people-centric values, innovative practices, and sector-specific excellence made it the ideal choice for my training contract.
What do you enjoy being a trainee solicitor?
Being a trainee solicitor at Taylor Wessing is an incredibly fulfilling experience due to the diverse opportunities and supportive environment the firm provides. As a trainee, I have the privilege of getting involved in a wide variety of matters across numerous sectors. This exposure not only broadens my legal expertise but also allows me to understand different industries and their unique challenges.
One of the standout aspects of Taylor Wessing is the encouragement trainees receive to express their preferences and shape their training contracts. This flexibility ensures that we can tailor our experiences according to our interests and career aspirations. Moreover, we are consistently encouraged to try new tasks and explore different areas of work, which fosters a robust learning environment and nurtures versatility.
Beyond legal work, being a part of Taylor Wessing means engaging in responsible business initiatives. These include charity events, networking opportunities, and participation in various committees. I am particularly proud of my involvement with the TW Run Club, and within the Responsible Business Network supporting initiatives in the community.
Another exciting facet is our involvement in the firm’s AI agenda. Trainees are given opportunities to engage with AI solutions and have a real say in the firm's approach to technologies that are shaping the future of law. This engagement not only keeps us ahead in technological advancements but also equips us with skills essential for modern legal practice.
In conclusion, being a trainee solicitor at Taylor Wessing offers a dynamic blend of professional development, community engagement, and innovative practice. It’s an environment where growth is continuously supported through diverse experiences and meaningful contributions both within and beyond the legal sphere.
What advice can you give to other aspiring solicitors?
My advice is to make the most of any in-firm experiences by engaging with people and asking questions. These interactions are invaluable and leave lasting impressions. Remember, it's perfectly normal not to know which area of law you want to specialise in initially. A training contract is an excellent opportunity to explore various fields and get a taste for areas that are of interest to you.
You'll already know that the journey can be daunting and challenging. However, once you find a firm that aligns with your values and professional aspirations, the process becomes significantly more manageable and rewarding. Embrace the learning curve, stay curious, and be proactive in seeking out diverse experiences within the firm. This approach will not only enhance your legal acumen but also help you build a robust professional network that can support your career growth in the long run.
Victoria Cherrington | Trainee Solicitor
Scheme: Training contract
University: Durham University
Degree: Law LLB, graduated 2019
Why did you decide on a career in law?
My decision to pursue a career in law was solidified at university, where I found that I really enjoyed the problem solving and analysis elements of the work. It helped me to think more critically about the "why" of everything. Why are contract terms drafted in a certain way? What problems are new regulations trying to solve? Why are the old regulations designed in that way? Laws are shaped by and shape the world around us, and it's really interesting to help clients navigate them.
Why did you choose to train with Taylor Wessing?
When it was time to choose which law firms to apply to, I looked up firms that were market leading in areas that interested me, and also worked with clients that I wanted to work with. I chose Taylor Wessing as I knew it would mean that I would get to work with cutting edge clients. I have a particular interest in technology, media, communications, brands, and private wealth, and Taylor Wessing is a market leader in all these sectors. I also really liked the broad range of seats that you could do during a training contract at the firm. It was also important to me that I was at an international firm, having come from an international background, and indeed most matters I have worked on so far have had some kind of international element. Taylor Wessing is also very committed to pro bono and D&I, which were important factors for me.
What kind of tasks do you complete on a typical day?
No day is the same on a training contract. In my current seat in the private client disputes team, I would normally get involved in reviewing documents for disclosure, assisting with legal research, taking attendance notes at meetings, drafting email responses to international counsel, drafting letters to opposing counsel, assisting with file management, preparing bundles, attending hearings and more. I have worked on a wide range of disputes, including international trusts arbitration, Bahamian trusts litigation, trustee fee litigation, tax litigation, and probate disputes. In my first seat, I was in the financial services regulation team. I joined the team around the time new crypto regulations were coming into force and I got to work on some exciting research for a crypto client as a result. I worked with a wide variety of clients, including BNPL companies, tech companies, vehicle businesses, investment management firms, electronic money institutions, international payments companies and more. In that seat, my typical tasks included assisting with legal research and analysis, drafting emails to clients setting out said research, writing up the monthly financial services regulation update for our firm's website, reviewing files, file management, and more. We've received plenty of training alongside the work, from practice area specific training to more general skills training. One particularly interesting session involved speed reading training! All practice area specific training is frontloaded at the beginning of each seat, which provides a great foundation from which to build your knowledge.
What advice can you give to other aspiring solicitors?
My advice is to seek out opportunities to meet people you can learn from – there are lots of industry events that provide free tickets to students. I would also encourage you to research firms as much as possible before you apply. A lot of firms practice the same areas of law and seem similar at first, but once you dive into the research you will quickly see that firms can be very different throughout the City. This research will help you to find the firm that is the best fit for your interests and career goals. I would also recommend triple checking your applications for any typos or grammatical errors before sending them out, as your attention to detail will be assessed.
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