How did you get your job at Appleyard Lees?

I applied to Appleyard Lees through the careers section on their website and not long after I was invited for an interview at their Leeds office. The interview consisted of general questions with HR and two Chemistry Partners, followed by a technical test and a spelling/grammar test (both of which I had been informed of prior to attending). I found out that I had been successful at the first stage and was invited to attend the second stage of the selection process which was a ‘work experience day’ at the firm. During this day I was given tasks which I would be expected to complete in the role, gave a presentation and submitted an essay – both of which I had been asked to prepare ahead of time. Not only was this day an opportunity for the firm to see how I fitted into the office, but also for myself to have a brief experience of the role and make sure the firm was the right fit for me. It was an enjoyable day and what stood out to me the most was the friendly and supportive culture at the firm. After this stage I was offered the role and had no hesitation in accepting!

What is it like working at Appleyard Lees?

Appleyard Lees is a brilliant firm to work for. There is a lot of support for trainees and no question is ever too big or too small when seeking advice from more experienced attorneys. What makes the role interesting is the variety of work; one day I may be working on an opposition case, the next responding to an examination report. What I enjoy most about the role is being exposed to a variety of different technologies which I find very interesting and requires me to draw upon my scientific background to attain a working understanding of each invention.

What skills have you found to be particularly useful in this sector/profession?

I have found that self-discipline and being able to manage and prioritize my own workload has been very useful in my role. Having the ability to process complex technical information to form a comprehensive understanding of the technologies and inventions you work with is key. It is also imperative to be confident in working independently but also have the skills to work and collaborate with others.