Before joining Bristows, I had a varied career across healthcare, education and consulting. I started out studying a healthcare and medical science degree and practising as an NHS paramedic, before going on to teach biology and the sciences, completing an MSc in science education along the way. I later moved into consulting for the health and social care sector, where I gained exposure to the legal and regulatory frameworks underpinning the industry. It was this that sparked my interest in the law, and led me to pursue a career as a solicitor.

I was drawn to Bristows because of its reputation as a science-led firm, its culture and the unique training experience on offer. Throughout the TC interview process, the firm’s expertise and focus shone through. The stages were rigorous, with plenty of challenging questions and tasks that encouraged me to think in-depth and talk through my ‘workings’, and was also focussed on face-to-face interviews. These were consistently friendly, designed to put you at your ease, and gave me a genuine insight into the Bristows culture and work a trainee could expect to be involved in.

Since joining, one of the standout aspects has been the small trainee intake. It creates a close-knit group, and we regularly work together and help each other out. Bristows also invests in trainees from day one, both in terms of training and social and networking opportunities, which has made settling in very easy.

I have spent the first 6 months of my TC across corporate, tax and employment seats, where I was able to take responsibility and develop ownership early, on matters spanning from securing funding for new tech spin-out companies to employment and tax advice to more established, household name businesses. I am currently sitting in my 6-month patent litigation seat, which has already given me the chance to combine my interest in the life sciences with the law and litigation.

My day-to-day work involves drafting documents, coordinating tasks across matters, and preparing for hearings and trials – both in the UK and beyond. A key part of my current role is working with scientific experts to understand the technical aspects of cases, alongside carrying out legal research into relevant principles and case law.

The culture at Bristows is genuinely collaborative. There is always something going on, including volunteering opportunities, social events and other fun things to get involved in. People across Bristows bring a breadth of difference experience and interests, are always generous with sharing their knowledge and love what they do, which makes it an exciting place to be as a trainee!