Open Day student Review

I attended Winston Taylor’s graduate open day, which began with an overview of graduate recruitment and a commercial awareness session. A trainee panel followed, where I heard first-hand about their training contract experience and put my own questions to them. This gave me a real insight into what makes the firm unique.
In the afternoon, a session on the Emerging Companies and M&A practice showed me how the firm advises high-growth businesses and supports transactions. I also learnt about the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, and about the recent merger, including how it is affecting Winston Taylor and the opportunities it creates for future trainees.
The day closed with an early talent overview and practical application tips, which I will apply to my own applications.
This developed my commercial awareness, my understanding of how Winston Taylor's practice areas and strategy fit together, and my ability to engage with lawyers and trainees through informed questions.

It was really interesting to see how the business works and what roles it offers. I found it particularly valuable to see how the merger has affected both legacy firms. It has made Winston Taylor a transatlantic firm with strong US and EU reach, which gives clients a much broader service and gives lawyers access to a wider range of work.
I also learnt how the merger has led to increased exposure to global and cross-border deals, which is exciting for anyone starting out in the profession. Hearing about the secondment opportunities available was a highlight, as they offer trainees the chance to build experience in different settings and develop a wider perspective on clients’ businesses.
Overall, the day gave me a clear picture of how the firm is structured, where it is heading and what a career there could involve.

Yes, mainly commercial awareness. The commercial awareness session showed me how to bring it into my applications and interviews by linking current developments, like the merger, to a firm’s clients and strategy rather than just describing them.
I also learnt how to tailor my applications so they are personal to me, connecting my own experiences and motivations to what the firm offers instead of giving generic answers.

The culture came across as genuinely friendly and warm. Everyone I heard from and spoke to was welcoming and kind, which made for a really positive atmosphere.
The trainee panel reinforced this. The trainees described the firm as supportive and friendly, and gave personal examples of how the firm supports them. They also explained that supervisors are keen to give feedback and help you improve throughout your seats, which showed me the firm invests in its trainees’ development.

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight. It was informative, engaging and welcoming, and it gave me a much clearer picture of the firm, its work and its culture. It has made me even more certain that I want to apply to Winston Taylor.

Yes

My main advice is to research the firm’s business objectives in depth. Look at the range of work it does, such as its strong private client and corporate practices, so you can show you understand what the firm actually offers.
Don’t just mention the merger. Explain the opportunities it has created, such as its transatlantic reach, more cross-border work and secondment options, and why those appeal to you.
Finally, be enthusiastic. Let your genuine interest in the firm come through in your application and at any events you attend.