I studied Law with French Law and developed an early interest in commercial law through my work as a Trade Mark Paralegal, particularly the role legal advice plays in supporting innovative businesses. Alongside this experience, my studies, including a Master’s specialising in IT and Data Law, deepened my interest in the relationship between law and technology, including data protection, media law and the legal challenges arising from rapid technological change. That interest was one of the main reasons I was drawn to Bristows, given the firm’s longstanding reputation for advising leading clients in the technology and life sciences sectors, as well as the opportunity to work on complex, innovative matters at the forefront of those industries.

My route to a training contract involved an application, a video interview, an interview, a written exercise and a final interview. What I particularly liked about the process was that the multiple interview stages gave me a genuine insight into the firm and its people. It was clear from the outset how personable everyone was and how much time the firm invested in getting to know candidates properly. Meeting a range of people through the interview process gave me a strong sense of the culture at Bristows and confirmed that it was somewhere I could see myself training and developing.

What has stood out to me since joining is the quality of the training and the level of responsibility trainees are given. Because the trainee cohort is relatively small, trainees are trusted with meaningful work from an early stage and are given the opportunity to get involved in high-quality matters. That responsibility, combined with the calibre of the firm’s clients across the technology, brands and life sciences sectors, makes the training experience particularly exciting. Just as importantly, people across the firm are extremely approachable and always willing to answer questions and support trainees’ development, regardless of seniority.

Seat experience

Competition litigation and advisory (6 months)

My first seat involved a mix of contentious and advisory competition work. I was able to gain experience of both strategic litigation support and more advisory-focused tasks. My responsibilities included:

• Attending hearings at the Competition Appeal Tribunal and preparing bundles for multiple hearings
• Conducting legal and strategic research that informed the approach taken at hearings
• Drafting first versions of letters to the Competition Appeal Tribunal and to the other side
• Preparing a first draft advisory note for a client following a call on a live issue
• Delivering a presentation on merger control reform

Patent litigation (ongoing)

I am currently in my patent litigation seat, where I have enjoyed working on technically complex matters and seeing how legal and scientific issues intersect. The work has given me exposure to the strategic, procedural and technical aspects of patent disputes. My experience so far has included:

• Conducting searches to identify suitable experts for trial
• Attending expert calls and preparing attendance notes
• Carrying out research to support advice and wider case strategy
• Drafting part of a document explaining the patented technology for the Patents Court
• Reviewing confidentiality orders and suggesting amendments
• Preparing consultancy agreements for experts