Open Day Review

The day was very enjoyable. I felt as though the firm looked after us participants well, offering to pay for our travel expenses and providing food and refreshments. Further, the actual content and structure of the day was genuinely conducive to an enjoyable day, with no one period feeling as though it dragged needlessly on, but yet also nothing felt rushed or truncated for timekeeping's sake.

The firm ensured that there was ample opportunity to engage and converse with a number of current trainees, ranging from those in their first seat to those approaching qualification. Every trainee I spoke to exhibited a sense of genuine enthusiasm for the firm, and at no point throughout the day did I feel as though anyone wished they were elsewhere. Additionally, the presentation and Q&A session provided by the firm's managing partner, Tim Eyles, was exceptionally candid, and he seemed interested and keen to listen to what we had to say/ask. As such, I felt exceptionally valued, despite only attending an open day.

The firm struck an excellent balance between insightful presentations and allowing us the opportunity to practice and develop our interpersonal skills through a case study. The presentations, for the most part specific to the application process at Taylor Wessing, were very informative, and went into detail about each stage of the differing application processes, catering to all those in attendance.

The information I received through the presentations, such as the importance of commercial awareness, will be directly applied to my application that I will inevitable put forward to the firm. Further, where Taylor Wessing expressed preferences for certain characteristics in their ideal applicant, I will ensure that I evidence how I possess them in my application.

From the offset, the Open Day was well run. Immediately post-application, details regarding travel arrangements, dress code, location, and food arrangements were communicated effectively, such that I didn't feel as if I was going in blind. The schedule for the day was well-structured, and struck a good balance between presentations and the case study. Whilst Taylor Wessing did manage to adhere to the schedule timing, they were flexible enough to prolong presentations or talks that were met with more intrigue and interest by the students in attendance.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with every staff member at the firm, from receptionist to managing partner, coming across as amiable and genuinely invested in talking to us. I never felt as if we were occupying the time of the trainees, or even the managing partner, and that they'd rather have been elsewhere. Every person without fail was happy to talk to us about life at the firm.

Given that it was merely an Open Day, there was little opportunity for the firm to do so, yet I wouldn't have ever expected to. However, the information they provided on the application process will hopefully prove invaluable.

We were able to discuss the working life at the firm with a great many trainees and throughout the day. All of them spoke with a refreshing candour that is usually not present at other firms. Because of this, we were able to gain a genuine, unedited insight into working life at the firm. The firm generally appears an excellent place to work, however, so I am doubtful little editing was required on the part of the trainees, regardless.

Again, an insight into the culture was borne out of engaging and speaking to a number of trainees, all of whom were exceptionally personable and helpful.

My career plans were set before the Open Day, I was always planning to apply. However, hopefully the Open Day will help me realise these plans fully.

We were reimbursed for Travel Expenses.

As stated above, a good portion of the day was dedicated to discussing the firm with trainees, who all spoke very well of the firm, without fail.

They were exceptionally casual, which was helpful given that the formality of an international law firm can seem intimidating to a student. Drinks (both alcoholic and not) and food were provided.

Yes, by speaking to the trainees. Many conduct charitable work, or play sport with the firm, or attend general team building holidays.

Yes, absolutely. It was a helpful and efficient use of a day.