2025
Please explain why you would like a career in commercial law. (250 words)
I have chosen a career in commercial law because it enables me to collaborate closely with a team to guide clients through intricate business challenges, providing support at every stage of their business journey, from overcoming obstacles to celebrating successes. I take great pride in delivering excellent service and helping others, which naturally drew me to a legal career where I can apply these values. The prospect of building long-standing relationships with clients and earning their trust aligns with my professional goals. Willkie’s long-term role as legal counsel for Ulta, including the successful dismissal of a class action against the company after allegations that Utla reshelved used products, demonstrates the value in this. My passion for commercial law has deepened through my participation in the Aspiring Solicitors initiative Aspire. This experience provided invaluable opportunities to network with leading firms.
Furthermore, I have engaged in trainee tasks such as legal research, drafting applications, and writing legal correspondence through working alongside in-house council solicitors, which affirmed my genuine interest and enthusiasm for a career in commercial law. In addition, owning a small business developed my interest in helping businesses, I ethically sourced crystals and created innovative products such as mystery boxes. I was able to build a loyal customer base across Europe and the United States, which gave me first-hand experience navigating cross-border transactions, international regulations, and taxes. This experience afforded a deeper understanding and passion of international business, which I believe would make me a valuable asset to Willkie.
Please explain why you are applying to Willkie. (250 words)
What draws me to Willkie is the firm’s exceptional expertise in litigation and competition law. The opportunity to undertake six months of training in litigation is particularly compelling, as it provides a unique chance to gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience in this dynamic area of law, an opportunity unmatched by many other law firms. One notable case that exemplifies Willkie’s strength in this field is the Virgin Media O2 case concerning anti-competitive behaviour. This case interests me, as I have cultivated a strong captivation for competition and litigation. This interest was sparked through conversations with solicitors in the field and further reinforced by following landmark cases such as Google’s ongoing antitrust proceedings.
Moreover, my hands-on experience with disrepair cases, where I worked alongside in-house solicitors, has further fueled my enthusiasm. My responsibilities included gathering and analysing evidence and reviewing documentation provided by tenants and their solicitors. This experience has sharpened my analytical skills and introduced me to the complexities involved in legal disputes, which aligns closely with the work undertaken at Willkie.
Additionally, as a socially mobile woman and a career changer, I am deeply inspired by Willkie’s’ Women’s Professional Development Committee (WPDC), the mentoring and networking sessions provided, highlight Willkie’s’ commitment to diversity. The significant number of female partnerships at 30% and 31% executive committee members is a testament to the firm’s dedication to supporting its female employees. I am eager to contribute to and benefit from this empowering environment.
Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility. (500 words)
This past year, I have demonstrated determination and a passion for commercial law by committing myself to gaining valuable legal experience working with in-house solicitors, while balancing two demanding healthcare jobs alongside my studies and volunteering. Juggling these multiple responsibilities has required exceptional organisational skills and unwavering focus, allowing me to manage my time effectively and pursue my career aspirations despite the challenges. My ability to remain focused and efficient in high-pressure environments will allow me to contribute meaningfully to Willkie’s’ team.
One of my key achievements has been re-instating the [REDACTED] Society at my university, where I currently serve as president. Taking the initiative to revive the society in the face of initial challenges, such as low membership and limited resources, required perseverance and a clear vision. I initially conducted the team hiring process myself, completing the applications and creating the social media and website. I dedicated myself to rebuilding the society from the ground up, organising events such as law-based quizzes and networking sessions, securing partnerships with [REDACTED], and creating a platform where students could engage with commercial law such as the societies website, social media, and newsletter. My determination to make this society thrive has not only contributed to its success but also has given me first-hand experience in leadership and collaboration, these skills will be directly transferable to the role of a trainee at Willkie, where managing tasks efficiently and working cohesively with a team will be crucial.
In addition, I volunteer with the [REDACTED], a deeply rewarding role. I work closely with young people navigating their panel orders, helping them stay on track and make positive life choices. It has been immensely gratifying to witness the transformative impact that consistent guidance and support can have on their lives. Through working with vulnerable youth, I have developed a deeper commitment to advocacy, which aligns with Willkie’s pro bono efforts. I am inspired by the strong reproductive rights advocacy, which includes consistent global research into reproductive care and supporting women in relation to Dobbs v. Jackson. Working directly with disadvantaged individuals, combined with my passion for community service, will allow me to make a lasting impact. I am confident that I will bring my dedication, empathy, and leadership to support pro bono initiatives at Willkie’s.
2024
Please explain why you would like a career in commercial law? (250 words)
My motivations for a career in commercial law can be reduced to three central factors. Firstly, the dynamic nature of a legal career has always appealed to me; as a commercial lawyer especially, there is a necessity to acquire a breadth of knowledge and to react to the ever-changing market landscape. My innovative spirit would allow me to approach my trainee seats with flexibility and eagerness.
Another factor is the skills which facilitate a career in commercial law. The importance of written communication suits my analytical ability and attention to detail, as exemplified by my D1 English Pre-U grade and forecasted First Class [redacted] Degree. Also, the level of teamwork apparent in a full-service firm such as Willkie fits my collaborative approach to tasks. As evidenced through my volunteering experiences, I excel when working in a team towards a common goal.
Finally, my experiences in commercial law have only strengthened my motivations. My time at a small tech firm sparked my interest for a legal career; given the firm’s entrepreneurial slant, I relished the client-facing nature of the work as well as the advisory aspect of a lawyer’s role. During my Commercial seat on the [redacted] vacation scheme, I found the challenges of mitigating risk particularly enjoyable and I noted the use of both case law and the business’ unique commercial situation to solve the client’s issues. This combination of theoretical and problem-solving skills echoes my motivations for the multifaceted nature of a career in commercial law.
Please explain why you are applying to Willkie? (250 words)
Willkie’s contentious practice areas are synonymous with dynamic, cutting-edge dispute resolution work. Whilst on the [redacted] vacation scheme, I fostered an interest in litigation, enjoying the strategic aspects of contentious law, especially in the build-up to a case. However, where the work at [redacted] was UK-based and fast-moving, I am interested in advising on complex, multijurisdictional deals that require a longer approach, as is the case at Willkie.
Another of Willkie’s specialisms which encouraged me to apply is the firm’s private equity excellence. At [redacted], I gained experience in PE law, especially through its interrelation with debt financing as a means of leveraging investments. I saw first-hand the collaborative nature of PE deals, working alongside firm-wide teams, regulatory experts and portfolio companies. The PE seat in Willkie’s training contract particularly enticed me: the technical, transactional work is combined with other skills such as anticipating risk and analysing financial data. I would relish the opportunity of becoming an accomplished PE lawyer and also a developed businessperson.
After meeting Willkie representatives at [redacted] law fair, I was impressed by the culture at the firm. The small trainee intake ensures high levels of responsibility and considerable client contact from the off, a detail which suits my inclination for leadership. Also, the firm’s fast-growing London office attracted me. There is a need for entrepreneurial spirit when expanding at such a rate; I have shown this in my efforts to rebalance a sustainable food business during the pandemic.
Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility. (500 words)
During my English Pre-U, I achieved the highest Grade in my year out of 35 students in the mock English Personal Investigation, a 3000-word university style analytical essay. This was before going on to achieve a D1 the following year, marking me in the top 4% of students to take the course in the UK. Other notable achievements include my 100% mark in an English essay on John Milton's Paradise Lost which earnt me a Headmaster’s Commendation and reaching the finals of the Queen's Silver Medal for Speech, a poetry recitation competition judged by a professional poet. At university, my 88% mark for an essay on Augustine’s Confessions ranked 1st out of 45 students on the course, rendering the work ‘of a publishable level’.
In terms of positions of responsibility, I was chosen to act as the Student Lead of my departmental Gender Equality Initiative. As part of my role, I created student and staff gender equality surveys, receiving over 200% more responses than in previous years. The unprecedented number of responses allowed for a more inclusive discourse within the department, allowing us to make a tangible difference. An important part of this success was my ability to collaborate with the staff members in the team; this allowed me to understand gender equality issues from their perspective and create a pertinent survey. I can now appreciate that an absorption of others’ ideas is the most efficient form of growth.
Another successful outcome of my role was drafting an application for the Silver Athena Swan Award, a global gender equality framework. It is cumulative in nature, meaning creativity is required to reach the next checkpoint. For example, my suggestion to include a self-evaluation of our policies is the type of originality that set our application apart from the Bronze Award.
Another position of responsibility that has taught me valuable skills is my role as Vice-President of the Non-Law into Law Society. There is an inherent responsibility that comes with implementing a manifesto that has been voted for by 170 society members. This has honed my accountability, and I have delivered on such promises by collaborating with a variety of brands and businesses. This process of gaining trust and delivering on sensible promises mirrors the independence that is required from a Willkie trainee when faced with complex client work. A central part of my manifesto was to organise the editing and publishing of a bi-weekly commercial awareness newsletter. This has pushed me to keep up with changing dynamics in the legal and business landscapes, whilst also increasing member participation in the society. As a Willkie lawyer, given the firm’s dynamic client pool, this ability to anticipate international industry challenges allows for valuable legal advice.
2023
Q1. Please explain why you would like a career in commercial law.
I studied commerce, accounts, and economics in school, which piqued my interest in the commercial world. For my accounts project, I analysed the acquisition of Ranbaxy by Sun Pharmaceuticals for $3.2 billion. Evaluating how a smaller company by revenue and size could acquire a larger company through equity financing gave me a strong understanding of M&A and finance. In addition, I was intrigued by how commercial lawyers facilitated the transaction by dividing risks and aligning parties' interests. This propelled me to intern at a commercial law firm in Kolkata. I conducted legal research and took notes during client calls for a real estate dispute and a tax waiver case. I was fascinated by how commercial lawyers developed a deep understanding of the client's business to provide tailored legal advice.
Subsequently, I interned at India's second-largest national bank. I enjoyed analysing company financials to determine lending facilities for companies. However, I was drawn more to work in legal compliance, where I undertook due diligence and analysed the regulatory impact on transactions. The challenge of providing legal advice that is commercially viable motivated me to pursue a career in commercial law over other commercial careers.
I am specifically interested in a career at a US law firm. I attended Open days at Willkie, Shearman & Sterling, Davis Polk, Dentons, and Linklaters. These helped me understand that I prefer working in US firms due to their complex, high-profile work, and smaller trainee intake, enabling closer working relationships and a collaborative culture.
Q2. Please explain why you are applying to Willkie.
Willkie’s antitrust & competition practice, recognised by Chambers UK 2023, appeals to me. My interest in this practice area stems from studying competition law at university. Having researched the MasterCard class-action suit for my competition law coursework, I was naturally drawn to the firm’s advice to MasterCard in the settlement of the interchange-fee class actions. My interest in working on industry-leading first-of-a-kind deals draws me to Willkie.
Willkie’s litigation practice also interests me. My interest in litigation stems from responding to judicial interventions by HHJ Baucher during a moot competition at the Royal Courts of Justice. I learnt from trainee solicitor [redacted] that junior lawyers at the firm have high levels of responsibility. This draws me to Willkie as I would have the scope for original thought and argument analysis in litigious work.
At Willkie’s Open Day, I learnt about the firm’s small, nimble teams that facilitate a close-working culture. I prefer this approach as it enables faster learning and greater exposure from the outset. During my internship at the [redacted], I worked in a small team and enjoyed a high level of responsibility, similar to that entrusted to trainee solicitors at Willkie.
Connecting with partner [redacted] and talking about our shared love for cricket apart from his work was a testament to the firm’s partner approachability. This is important to me as I would be able to work independently with the assurance of support. This further motivates me to apply to Willkie.
Q3 - Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility.
I participated in the [redacted] Competition 2022 to help out my local community. I surveyed 100 coffee planters in Karnataka, where people's main occupation was growing coffee. I identified that the coffee plants were being over-irrigated, leading to excessive water usage and increased costs. So I decided to tackle this challenge by coming up with a commercially viable, cost-effective solution to help small planters save water and reduce costs. I designed an Arduino-programmed sensor (priced at £10) which calculated the aridity of the soil with respect to the irrigation needs of a coffee plant. I then attached the sensor to the valve of the drip irrigation systems. The sensor would shut down the water flow when the crops were irrigated. This was a substantial achievement as my solution helped save 660 gallons of water per acre, translating into £750, a 25% cheaper irrigation cost per acre.
I have been playing cricket competitively for over 6 years. In 2021, I led my school team to the semi-finals of the National Cricket Tournament in India. Through years of practice and commitment, I improved my game and became a part of the cricket team at university. Chasing big targets while batting and defending small scores while bowling has taught me to manage high-pressure situations and effectively collaborate with my team. Pursuing this sport with consistency and determination has been an achievement for me.
I am very passionate about theatre. Since I was ten, I have participated in a play every year. Some of my acting highlights include playing the roles of Peter Pan, Oliver Twist, and Sir Wilfrid Robarts in Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution. I even pursued acting at university by playing the lead in a student-written play, Kenneth. With 4 hours of practice every day for 7 weeks, I did 2 shows and sold all 250 tickets. Acting has been very rewarding as by playing versatile roles I have developed empathy, resilience and adaptability.
At university I actively participate in negotiation and mooting competitions. I won the [redacted] Moot and reached the semi-finals of the [redacted] Mooting Competition 2022, held at the Royal Courts of Justice. I competently responded to judicial interventions and received the ‘Best Speaker’ award. I was also the semi-finalist in the [redacted] Commercial Negotiation Competition. These competitions have taught me advocacy and the skill of simplifying complex information through legal research and analytical thinking.
I hold a position of responsibility as the Head of Research for the [redacted] Society, a Willkie sponsored society. I organised a commercial negotiation competition sponsored by [redacted]. I drafted competition briefs based on commercial issues arising from greenwashing, the Russia-Ukraine war, and human rights violations in the Qatar world cup. Writing briefs improved my research and drafting skills and ability to pay attention to detail. I also liaised with the university timetabling team for room bookings, created a schedule for 15 judges and 60 participants, and clarified participant queries. I was commended by the graduate recruitment team and associates, who judged the finals for my strong leadership and organisational skills.
2022
1. Please explain why you would like a career in commercial law.
A commercial lawyer’s career is underpinned by the necessity of offering both legal and business advice to clients. As a trusted advisor a commercial lawyer must provide a competitive advantage for their clients by anticipating potential challenges within the wider commercial environment. As I learnt during my internship at [Wealth Management Firm], the key is to be proactive, not reactive. Thus, a career with active involvement in the market when offering business and legal solutions to the client greatly interests me.
The continuous drive to remain competitive is accompanied by a high-stake and intellectually stimulating environment. Within the hospitality industry I enjoyed its fast-paced nature, particularly during staff shortages driven by COVID and the influx of customers after restrictions eased. However, I missed the intellectually stimulating aspect which I have thrived off during my commercial internships. These positions were most engaging when analysing complex documents and providing novel solutions in aligning client’s business objectives and wider personal objectives, such as philanthropy goals.
A career at Willkie Farr, rooted in cross-border deals, offers the opportunity to pursue a legal career from an international commercial perspective. At University, I regularly formulated arguments on developments in the commercial sector and analysed their potential effect on Government policies, debating positions on the repercussions of such developments in Domestic and International environments. As understanding the dynamic nature of the international environment is central to anticipating potential challenges and opportunities for clients, I am motivated to become a commercial lawyer at Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
2. Please explain why you are applying to Willkie.
The adversarial battle of litigation at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher’s is illustrated by Peter Burrell (partner) as a “roller coaster ride”. Presenting an agile litigation practice, Willkie is shown to provide revolutionary solutions to the complex and everchanging commercial needs of its clients. Shown by the recent panel held by Willkie attorneys regarding ESG compliance in the UK and EU, Willkie is a firm that is committed to an innovative, adaptable, and forward-thinking approach to Law; values which I want to uphold throughout my career having focused on environmental politics and climate security at university.
Operating in smaller teams, Willkie stands out from the other US firms in London. The team size at Willkie ensures that their lawyers are flexible and resilient because Willkie trainees are exposed to increased opportunity for work. Thus, with six European offices, the potential to accelerate my own training and be ambitious early in my career is best facilitated at Willkie. With my greatest academic successes achieved with the challenges of competing at National level in equestrianism, regional level at athletics and accomplishing grade 7 clarinet, an unbounded career at Willkie will enable me to best succeed both for myself and the firm.
As a language student currently embarking on a year in Munich, studying Political Science with French and Italian, the extensive multijurisdictional cross-border work at Willkie, particularly within the M&A practice is highly appealing. Willkie is, therefore, the firm which offers the greatest opportunities for me to prosper within my career.
3. Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility.
I was awarded with a sports scholarship at [School] as captain of 1st Team Hockey, achieving multiple County Athletics placings, and competing at South West Athletics Championships, National Schools Equestrian Championships, and Pony Club National Riding Championships. At [School] I achieved Grade 7 Clarinet, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and attended a German Language School in Germany. My competitive drive for excellence enabled me to achieve this alongside my academic studies. Before school I attended athletics training sessions, in lunch periods clarinet lessons, and after school riding training. My drive for personal growth will prove invaluable at Willkie, because I am committed to working hard in order to succeed when pursuing new and challenging opportunities.
I received an academic scholarship at [School] and an unconditional offer to [University] , on account of academic performance. I have since been a member of the Athletics, Equestrian, Lacrosse and Polo Clubs and Politics Society, attending the Winter National University Polo Championships and achieving a place on one of the equestrian competition teams. In Second Year at University, I completed a French Language course and completed Final Year German language modules prior to attending a year in Munich. Whilst participating in multiple sports, I have learnt to respect my fellow teammates, take on responsibility of a captaincy, and work as a team to succeed. As an active participant in team sports, I have learnt the value of a united team. Our greatest successes in sport were achieved value we placed within each other when pursuing a shared goal.
An achievement that I would like to draw attention to is receiving a first in my dissertation on feminine norms and sport. This subject was one which I was particularly passionate about, being an athlete myself. I had encountered the pressure to portray feminine norms when engaging in sport; for example, painting my nails and wearing more makeup to remain seen as 'feminine'. Thus, within my dissertation I focused on the lived experiences of individual women in sport. Six interviewees and one hundred questionnaire respondents enabled me to produce an insightful and empowering piece of research which analysed feminine norms and sport against topics such as childhood socialisation; gender performance and body norms; sex segregation in sport; the delegitimization of women in sport; and individual physical liberation through sport. This research was noted to help reimagine perceptions of sport and gender in order to open up physical activity for all, regardless of gender. It was further commended for its insight into an under researched area, offering a basis for further research. This is the achievement which I am most proud of, because it proves my entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed in creating social change through both my research and work.
2022
Please explain why you would like a career in commercial law. (250)
Managing a B2C food company with my parents has fostered a personal appreciation for business. English is not their first language, so tasks like drafting employee contracts and NDAs and analysing commercial leases fell to me. My upbringing motivated me to pursue a commercial career while instilling determination and grit.
Commercial law struck me most amidst various City jobs. I completed a ‘legal foundations for business’ class at university – I wanted to see how the representation I used as deputy head boy at school applied in a professional, commercial setting. I applied black letter law such as the Classes Order 1987 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to hypothetical scenarios and achieved a first-class result, evidencing my work ethic. My mentor, a retired-corporate partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth, echoed this was the kind of work he undertook, instilling confidence I would enjoy practical applications of this knowledge.
Keen for hands-on experience, I volunteered at a pro bono clinic. My fondness for helping legal aid recipients was parallel with assisting my clients as a Burberry seasonal sales associate. Both jobs stressed teamwork and relationship building, vital for lawyers. I leveraged the credibility I regularly instil in others to do just this and consequently made sales sometimes worth £1000 in the latter role.
Finally, my CANDEY LLP commercial litigation internship confirmed I wanted to be a commercial solicitor. While still preferring transactional law, I felt fulfilled by contributing to client work and simultaneously developing an understanding of the business of law.
Please explain why you are applying to Willkie. (250)
I want to gain exposure to private equity-related corporate work on the back of attending a Sidley Austin webinar on PE and open days at UBS and Ruffer, where I learnt about leveraged buyouts and equity and debt financing, respectively. Specifically, I want to train in Willkie’s Private Equity and M&A team.
The firm offers a rarely found one-stop-shop private equity service. It advises on fund formation, intermediate steps like the IPO, and ultimate exits, leveraging its office network in thirteen key markets. Combined, prestigious clients like Insight Partners trust the firm with exciting, frequently cross-border mandates, which translates to a supreme level of work.
On top, junior lawyers receive hands-on responsibility, thanks to Willkie’s leanness of teams. I find this very appealing. It would develop me as a private equity lawyer quicker and play into my fondness of seeking out and taking ownership of tasks and opportunities. For example, while interning at a wellness start-up, with minimal supervision, I used research skills drawn from my history degree to draft a document that mapped the company’s competitors.
Finally, I admire Willkie’s 91% growth in London since 2017. The firm has disrupted the City’s legal market through, for instance, hiring Gavin Gordon and David Arnold from Kirkland & Ellis. Many law firms require juniors to be entrepreneurial, but Willkie more so as growth is still underway. Currently working as a business development manager has equipped me with the skill, which I would excitedly apply as a trainee.
Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility. (500)
I founded a law society to rectify Exeter’s Cornwall campus’ lack of connections with the legal world, which put aspiring lawyers, like myself, at a disadvantage. I prioritised a strategy of partnering with large City law firms to gain insight into their market-leading practices, which students were missing.
But I was in a disadvantageous position: the society had no record of success as it was brand new. Accordingly, I used entrepreneurial, marketing, and perseverance skills to establish connections with various firms, which paid dividends. Allen & Overy and Herbert Smith Freehills sponsored it.
My agreements included invites to the firms’ employer presentations in Exeter and add-on capital to pay for our transport to and from since membership revenue was insufficient to cover the cost. Successively managing sign-ups and coordinating the travel furthered my leadership and organisation skills, and students, myself included, had the opportunity to learn about commercial M&A as my strategy culminated.
Three years on, the society is one of the biggest on-campus with over 80 members. I have cultivated my relationship with HSF, including after my term as President, demonstrating my commitment; the firm is still a sponsor.
As demonstrated above, proactivity is my key strength. I successfully applied to two competitive scholarships: the University of Exeter’s Global Leaders Experience in the United Arab Emirates and the Study China 2018 programme in Shanghai. In the former, I worked with Emirati and British teammates, which stressed cultural intelligence, to design a service to elevate the Emirate of Sharjah to a ‘smart city’.
In the latter, I gained a distinction in a Mandarin course despite experiencing significant culture shock. But through my can-do attitude, I simultaneously featured in an interview with a Chinese news outlet whereby I spoke about my time in the country. I used my international outlook and applied to study abroad. I completed two semesters at University College Utrecht in the Netherlands, where I used determination to navigate foreign bureaucracy and an alien to me higher education system.
Furthermore, a member of HR at Clyde & Co invited me to attend the firm’s open day after I contributed to the firm’s focus group on social mobility inclusion, a cause important to me. While less interested in insurance than other areas of commercial law, I still appreciated furthering my knowledge on corporate liability, specifically in the context of The National Trust suing a construction company following the 2015 fire at Clandon Park, an eighteenth-century mansion.
Finally, after visiting Auschwitz concentration camp with the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) in my home country, Poland, I felt inclined to apply to the charity’s Regional Ambassador (RA) programme – I was successful. In upper sixth, I planned and delivered six assemblies in a short period of five days to all year groups on victim memorialisation. And earlier this year, as part of my final project, I worked in a team of other RAs to research, then record a podcast on the contemporary distortion of the Holocaust in Eastern European countries.
2022
Please explain why you would like a career in commercial law.
My interest in commercial law stems from being raised in a developing region. Being raised in the Caribbean and witnessing the establishment of the Caribbean Single Market, afforded me the opportunity to see directly the interconnection between law, economics, and politics. Commerce and international trade are essential to any economy; but for Small Island Developing States, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, the country is very much predated on commerce and international trade. Commercial law is an integral component in the facilitation of commerce, as it creates mechanisms which facilitate and generate economic growth; particularly in developing regions, such as the Caribbean.
I have a keen interest in the role that lawyers play in advising principal corporate clients, whose businesses drive national and international economies and impact financial markets. This interest in commercial law was the catalyst for undertaking work experience in the Office of the Attorney General of [redacted Caribbean nation]. During my work experience I was privy to discussions between CARICOM Member States on the establishment of the single market. Being privy to legal negotiations further emphasised my understanding of how lawyers assist in the creation of economic structures which positively affect the lives of millions of people. This experience solidified my conviction to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer. By doing so, the role will afford me the opportunity to utilise my interest, knowledge, and experience in law and economics to assist economic growth in developing regions around the world.
Please explain why you are applying to Willkie.
Having read International Banking and Financial Law at postgraduate level, I have a keen interest in banking and finance as a practice area. Consequently, my interest in Willkie is predicated on the firm's strength in financial services, particularly capital markets. Willkie often advises on some of the most impactful transactions within the national and international economy. Of particular interest was the firm's role in advising FIS on a multi tranche offering of $2.25 billion and $300 million, respectively. As the world's largest payments processor, FIS plays a crucial role in facilitating commerce globally. Through the digitisation of finance, FIS is facilitating the rapid and inexpensive movement of money globally. For emerging economies, this has stimulated significant economic growth. Through this deal, Willkie has played a critical role in facilitating economic growth. The opportunity to work on such impactful matters, is why I wish to complete my training at the firm.
Moreover, although Willkie has multiple offices globally, the London office is leanly structured. This means as both a trainee and associate, I will not be siloed into a niche area of banking law. Rather, I will benefit from the firm's quasi multi-specialist approach. This will not only make for a richer training experience but will ultimately make me a more well rounded legal professional.
Lastly, Willkie’s unique international strategy means that training at the London office will provide me with the opportunity to work with and learn from the multitude of local law firms Willkie utilises.
Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility.
Outside of academia I have a keen interest in geopolitics and human rights.
Since High School I have been an active member of the [redacted Caribbean nation] Youth Parliament. As the smallest nation in the western hemisphere, being a Youth Parliamentarian is a highly influential position. In addition to regularly participating in debates and forums regarding national issues, I contributed significantly to debates regarding [redacted Caribbean nation] accession into the Caribbean Single Market. Notably, many of my sentiments regarding the advantages that the Single Market would bring to members of my demographic, were shared by Cabinet Ministers on the floor of Parliament.
Moreover, whilst at University I founded The University of [redacted] Black Feminist Society. Black FemSoc was established with the objective of creating a space of support and sorority for women of colour in academia, whilst addressing intersectional feminist issues. As President it was my responsibility to: set weekly meetings and reading exercises; engage with stakeholders; and book guest speakers. However, my most important role as President, was finding innovative and effective ways to engage with people who were neither BME nor female. I achieved this by hosting events in collaboration with other societies. For instance, I hosted and moderated a discussion between 150+ students on Twerking, Lad Culture, and Consent at University.
Additionally, with the support of the entire Students Union, I ran a campaign to raise awareness and end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in the UK.
Furthermore, true to my Caribbean roots I am a keen cricketer. I started playing County Cricket whilst in Primary School. Over the years my love for the sport has grown, throughout University and in my Professional life I have continued playing the sport. In addition to being a stress reliever, I love the camaraderie which exists between me and my 17 team mates on and off the oval.