Open Day Attendee Review

The insight day involved various talks with several individuals from different areas of the firm, such as graduate recruitment, trainees, partners and associates in the Disputes & Investigations practice. Throughout the insight day, we were able to hear firsthand about the experiences of lawyers at the firm on a day-to-day basis, gain useful application advice from the grad rec team and there were plenty of opportunities to ask our own questions throughout. The firm also provided refreshments, lunch and snacks, which was a very nice touch.

Firstly, the trainee panel gave a really great insight into the sorts of tasks trainees are involved in, how they interact with the associates and partners in their team and how they have found their various seats so far. This really helped me to understand in greater depth the specific skills needed to excel as a trainee specifically. I was also able to gain an insight into what progression look like at the firm by hearing from associates and a partner. Finally, the graduate recruitment team did a really good job in explaining and demystifying the application process for vacation schemes at the firm, and gave me a really thorough and coherent insight into what life would be like as a trainee at Winston Taylor.

One of the main skills that I feel like I have developed and improved through attending this insight day is my approach to commercial awareness. The insight day included a really useful session on ‘demystifying commercial awareness’ led by a solicitor apprentice and a trainee at the firm. The provided really useful advice and personal insight into how to develop and strengthen commercial awareness, both for the purposes of succeeding in applications and in performing well in their roles at the firm. What stood out to me particularly was the emphasis on centring the firm and its clients when considering the implications of news developments and stories, in order to start thinking in the mindset of a commercial solicitor. Additionally, I also took away from this session the importance of critical thinking when researching business and legal developments, and having your own view and opinion and these developments and what they could mean for the legal industry as a whole.

Overall, the culture at Winston Taylor came across as very friendly and collegial. Trainees consistently reported that their supervisors were incredibly approachable and willing to help them in their development, giving me confidence that Winston Taylor is a firm that wants to help its junior talent thrive. Additionally, information on the firm’s various inclusion networks and sustainability initiatives was also particularly inspiring, making it evident that Winston Taylor as a firm is strongly committed to supporting the wider community.

Overall, I found the insight day incredibly enjoyable. It was structured well and covered a broad range of topics, which helped me develop a holistic understanding of the firm, from its trainee opportunities to its business development to its responsible business programme. Everyone attending the insight event, including the graduate recruitment team and other attendees, also had an incredibly positive attitude and a great enthusiasm for the firm, which came across very clearly throughout the day and made for a very engaging atmosphere.

Yes

Make sure your application is personalised and tailored to the firm. Make sure you understand the new strengths and advantages that have been brought to the firm through its merger, as well as the key practice areas and sectors that the firm excels in.