Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey into law.
My journey into Law was a little different as I started my professional life working in International Development and the third sector.
I initially studied an English Literature and Language BA and didn't consider a career in law until 3 or 4 years later when I started looking at further study options and where my career could take me. It was entirely down to the people I met that convinced me that law, via the Law Conversion Course, was the way to go.
Given I'd worked on global issues, and in other countries, during my time at an International Development charity, I was always sure I wanted to maintain a link to tangible and global subject matter. Again, through the firms and people I met in the process, I knew I wanted to be linked to sector-focused work - Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) ended-up being just the right fit.
What is your role and how long have you been at WFW?
I'm currently a second seat trainee, sitting in the Assets & Structured Finance Team. I joined the firm as a new trainee back in September 2022 and have been here for nearly 6 months.
What does a day in your life as a Trainee look like?
Honestly, no day is the same. Due to the fast-paced nature of transactional work, you can simultaneously be at the start of one deal and the end of another in any given day.
Broadly, I get into the office around 9-9.15am, set up my laptop and review any new tasks that have come through since the previous day, then head down to the canteen for my free morning toast (crunchy peanut butter all the way.)
I'll then be working on various stages of transactions across the shipping, aviation and occasionally energy sectors, assisting the associates and helping things run smoothly. Tasks usually encompass drafting various ancillary transaction documents, assisting with signings and ensuring all relevant documents are in order ahead of closing (punctuated by meeting up with other Trainees for lunch of course!)
How did career resources like Bright Network help you secure your role?
When it came to researching where I wanted to be, personal testimonies were key. I was very focused on being surrounded by the culture that fitted me the best and getting a sense of the individuals who were already training there was a good way to do this.
What top tips would you give members wanting to apply?
Be genuine - it sounds cliché but it's crucial to be yourself. Right from the application stage, it can be very obvious if a candidate is giving stock answers and whether they've really thought about the firm and what it could mean for them. It's also better for you in the long run, do you really want an offer from somewhere you wouldn’t fit?
Be thorough in your research - go beyond the front page of the website, Chambers Student and LinkedIn. Read into the industries and sectors of the clients; where do they get their news, what are developments looking like for them, is it a lucrative time? As above, this will also help you narrow down whether you genuinely find the work of the firm interesting; if reading around the subject matter is too much of a slog, is there another area, or firm, that interests you more?
Be targeted - don't try and convince 26 different firms that they're the one for you. Narrow it down and give yourself 3-4 weeks on each application. Quality not quantity.