Bristows

Apprentice interview… Kalay Mayan, first-year solicitor apprentice, Bristows

Departments to date: Commercial and IP transactions

Why were you keen to apply for a role at Bristows?
I was instantly attracted by the broad range of practice areas that Bristows specialises in and found it exciting that I would have the opportunity to experience working in so many areas over the next six years of my apprenticeship. The commercial IP and transactions team particularly caught my eye as they work at the forefront of a niche area, however the work we do is also broad, spanning from IP in various licensing to IP in AI. The firm’s core values were also a factor; I was particularly drawn by the values of being friendly and curious as it portrays both an amicable and inquisitive environment which aligns with my own approach to learning.

Why did you choose to do a solicitor apprenticeship?
During sixth form, my aspiration to become a solicitor was clear. Having completed work experience in other commercial law firms, I grew an interest in commercial law due to the close intersection between law and business. It was then my eagerness that pushed me to do a solicitor apprenticeship as I wanted to not only study for my law degree, but also start working in a commercial law firm straight after leaving sixth form.

Has anything surprised you about the apprenticeship route and how has it been so far?
With it being my first time learning via both university and work at the same time, I have been amazed by the level of knowledge that I have gained since beginning my apprenticeship – both academically and practically. Though studying at university and working simultaneously may sound daunting, it is definitely doable, and comes with the invaluable reward of academic, practical and professional development.

In addition to this, I have also been surprised by the level of exposure to different work I have been given since joining the firm. Having been only five months since starting my apprenticeship, tasks I have done include proofreading, contractual analysis, due diligence, contract drafting and anonymising, and exciting research in areas of law, tech and science. This exposure did not come all at once, it has been gradual and I have had support from my colleagues along the way.

Did you have any worries before joining the firm?
I was not worried prior to joining as I had been in direct communications with the firm’s HR team who provided assistance and answers to any worries that I had. My first day at the firm was not filled with worry, but instead pure excitement!

Please could you tell us a bit more about the apprenticeship programme and what it involves?
The solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year programme. I work four days a week and have one day a week dedicated to studying for my LLB with BPP Law School. Upon completing my law degree, I will proceed to do the SQE1 and SQE2 qualifications and ultimately qualify as a solicitor upon passing both assessments and my training contract with Bristows.

How is the feedback process?
The feedback process is always timely and constructive. Working closely with various colleagues who provide feedback helps me to learn from mistakes and to continuously improve the way that I approach and complete different tasks.

Please could you talk us through the recruitment process?
The first stage was the submission of a CV and an online application asking about my education, experiences, motivations and interests. The next stage was an online interview where I was asked to provide more detail about my A-Levels and my motivations for doing a solicitor apprenticeship at Bristows. Following this stage was the assessment centre day which involved me doing a group exercise, a written task, a presentation and an interview. The assessment day also included opportunities to socialise and meet other trainees and associates from the firm.

How did you prepare for the assessment day and was there anything you would have approached differently?
I made sure that I had clear and concise answers prepared for key questions such as ‘why Bristows?’ and ‘why the solicitor apprenticeship?’. While researching the firm was important, remembering to be myself and to be confident in my ability was just as important during the entire day. If I had to do something differently, it would be to try to engage in more conversations outside of the activities on the assessment day, as showing your personality is a huge asset.

About the firm

Senior partner: Miranda Cass

Joint managing partners: Steve Smith and Adrian Sim

Other offices: Brussels, Dublin

Who we are: Bristows is the world’s leading specialist law firm for clients that innovate. Bristows is a European headquartered hub for litigation, transactions and advice throughout the world. Bristows does not work to billing targets and aims to recruit inquisitive minds, many with science and technology backgrounds.

What we do: Bristows focuses on dynamic, IP-rich sectors and has the expertise to solve a broad range of litigation, transactional and advisory challenges. The firm has a true cross-disciplinary practice encompassing its renowned IP, competition, regulatory, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, IT, and data protection teams. The strength of each individual practice complements the others to provide a fully integrated and comprehensive service.

What we’re looking for: We are seeking a driven and enthusiastic individual to join the firm; our apprentices should be proactive and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience while studying toward your qualifications, so being confident and motivated to develop legal expertise will contribute to the firm’s success.

What you’ll do: During the first four years of your apprenticeship, apprentices will rotate to different practice areas including commercial IP/IT/DCL, patent litigation, corporate, tax, employment and competition. There may also be an opportunity to complete a client secondment to one of our many valued and well-known clients. Your working week will consist of a day of study, provided by BPP, and four days working with the guidance of our expert lawyers, enabling you to put legal concepts you have learnt into practice straight away. For the final two years, apprentices will join the trainee solicitor rotation and will be able to experience additional practice areas or return to one previously enjoyed, with the view to potential qualification.

Perks: Solicitor apprentices receive the same full benefits package as full-time staff, which includes private medical insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, gymflex deals and access to our full suite of other lifestyle and wellbeing benefits.

Sponsorship

All qualification costs are covered.

Seat options

Patent litigation; brands, design and copyright; real estate; corporate, tax and employment; commercial and technology disputes; commercial IP/IT/DCL; competition; regulatory.

Diversity and inclusion