I have had an interest in new and exciting tech since I was very young and studied theoretical physics at university hoping to understand more about how the world around me worked. I enjoyed my time studying physics but realised quickly that I did not want a career in academia or research. I reevaluated my options after completing my masters and realised that law combined my enthusiasm for solving problems with the human connection and commercial setting that I didn’t have during my degree.

I started looking for training contracts after beginning the GDL (which I thankfully enjoyed!) and found Bristows immediately. I was lucky enough to attend a STEM open day and to meet some of the partners and senior associates at the firm and was struck by how genuine and friendly they were. Combined with Bristows’ reputation as a preeminent IP firm that did some of the most unique and technically complex work in the country I knew that it was the perfect fit.

The application process was straightforward. There was a written application which was followed by a short online interview. After that, there were two interview stages. The first was with a partner and a senior associate, and the second was with two partners. There were also two written exercises that I completed a week or so before the second (and final) interview. Interviews are always a little intimidating, but I felt that everyone tried their best to make me as comfortable as possible. It seemed that they were genuinely interested in getting to know me and my interest in law as well as whether I would be a good fit for Bristows (and Bristows for me).

So far, I have worked in Patent Litigation and Real Estate. I have also spent some time on client secondment. I have been very fortunate to have had a lot of experience in court over this time which was an amazing experience. It was fascinating seeing the different ways solicitor-barrister teams work together as well as understanding the overarching strategy that was being employed. My frequent tasks so far have included drafting reports, cross-examination research, creating court bundles and drafting meeting notes.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the work so far and have been lucky enough to have a wide range of opportunities that ranged in scope and complexity. But more than that I have loved working with the people here. It is extremely clear that people look out for each other at Bristows and I have very much felt like part of the time since my first day.