Stem Open Day Review

The day began with an overview of Graduate Recruitment, introducing the firm and its early talent opportunities. This was followed by a commercial awareness session, which explained its importance in commercial law and provided practical advice on developing an understanding of business and current affairs. We then attended an overview of the IP, Regulatory & Digital practice area, exploring the work undertaken in this field and its relevance to clients operating in technology-driven industries. A STEM-focused trainee Q&A panel followed, offering insights into trainees’ experiences, career development and life at the firm. The day concluded with practical application advice, including guidance on navigating the recruitment process and strengthening applications.

The day was extremely insightful and gave me a much clearer understanding of the firm's business, its position in the legal market and the range of career opportunities available. I gained valuable insight into the work of the IP, Regulatory & Digital practice area and how it supports clients navigating technological developments and regulatory challenges. Hearing directly from trainees also helped me understand the realities of working at the firm, the skills required to succeed and the opportunities for professional development and career progression. Overall, the experience strengthened my understanding of the firm and the potential career paths available to someone with a STEM background.

I developed my commercial awareness by learning how to apply it specifically to Winston Taylor, considering the firm's position in the legal market, its practice areas and the commercial factors influencing its clients. I also gained a better understanding of how to demonstrate commercial awareness in applications by linking business developments to their implications for a particular firm. Additionally, the event helped me recognise how my STEM background and technical knowledge could be valuable in a legal career, particularly within the IP, Regulatory & Digital practice area, where understanding emerging technologies can help lawyers navigate complex technical, commercial and regulatory challenges.

The company culture and atmosphere were extremely positive, welcoming and supportive. The STEM-focused open day demonstrated the firm's commitment to diversity and recognising the value of different academic and professional backgrounds. The trainees were friendly and approachable, creating an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and learning from their experiences. I was particularly encouraged by the emphasis on professional development and the impression that support is available from people across the firm. Overall, the event gave me the impression of a culture that values inclusivity, collaboration and investing in its people, helping individuals develop their skills and progress in their careers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight day, which reinforced my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in commercial law. I found it particularly exciting to learn about the work undertaken within the IP, Regulatory & Digital practice area and how lawyers help clients navigate complex technological and regulatory developments. Hearing from trainees about their experiences made the prospect of applying my STEM background to real-world commercial challenges especially appealing. I was also encouraged by the level of responsibility and exposure to interesting client work that trainees can gain early in their careers. Overall, the experience strengthened my motivation to pursue commercial law and helped me visualise how I could contribute to the profession.

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My main advice would be to understand what makes your background unique and demonstrate how it aligns with Winston Taylor's work. For applicants with a STEM background, I would recommend exploring how technical knowledge can be applied to commercial law, particularly within the IP, Regulatory & Digital practice area. It is also important to develop commercial awareness by following business and technological developments and considering their implications for the firm's clients and practice areas. Finally, make the most of opportunities to speak to trainees and graduate recruitment, as these conversations can help you understand the firm's culture and tailor your application to demonstrate genuine interest in Winston Taylor specifically.