Note: in 2023, Taylor Vinters became part of the Mishcon de Reya Group Taylor Vinters
2022
What do you do in your spare time? (100 words)
I frequently participate in Parkrun, a timed 5km run which takes place every Saturday at 9:00am. Although at first simply a productive start to the weekend, this event transformed into a competitive and enjoyable social activity I highly value. I befriended like-minded individuals, with whom I have often enjoyed a post-parkrun brunch. Moreover, implementing regular exercise alongside maintaining a balanced diet allowed me to reach my goal of decreasing my 5km time from 31 minutes to 25 minutes and 56 seconds. This leads me to my current goal of achieving a sub 25-minute parkrun, and to complete a 10km race.
Why have you applied to Taylor Vinters? (100)
I am drawn to Taylor Vinters’ work with innovators and entrepreneurs. I am particularly interested in the firm's work with start-up Congenica. Additionally, the firm emphasises early responsibility through its smaller trainee intake. I am keen to receive this, having taken on two demanding executive positions at university alongside receiving a first. Equally, I am intrigued by the idea that a training contract at Taylor Vinters would be split across offices (London and Cambridge) and that there is such a broad range of seats to choose from, as not many city law firms offer dispute resolution, IP and family law.
Tell us about a challenge you have had to overcome (250)
I was born in England to a Dutch mother and an English father. At six months old, we moved to Gabon, Africa. After four years, we returned to England for a further two years, before moving to the Middle East for six years.
I found this constant change of environment challenging. I attended five schools in three separate countries, and it became apparent that no one person thinks the same, works the same, and that everyone has a different story.
I remember thinking, how am I going to fit in here? Will I make friends?
Over time, I found that being approachable and finding common interests was a fantastic way to make friends. For example, I joined the school swimming club, where I met three of my closest friends. Moreover, every time I made new friends; I became increasingly confident in my ability to bring value to other people's lives. I soon thrived on meeting new people, learning new ways of doing things and experiencing different cultures. What used to frighten me now excites me, and I look forward to bringing this attitude to Taylor Vinters.
I have also found that moving around every few years builds up one's confidence and resilience. During each move, I interacted with different people, adopted different practices and acclimatised my own ways of working to fit into new and challenging environments. I hope to bring these skills to Taylor Vinters where it is paramount to bring a positive, progressive and forward-thinking attitude.
If you were asked to advise our management team on one key area for Taylor Vinters to focus on in the next three years, what would that be and why? (250)
With the demand for energy increasing and the need to reduce emissions, companies must evolve to meet future energy needs. Subsequently, I would advise that Taylor Vinters focus on the energy transition to renewables. This is because innovation will be occurring rapidly in this field, and Taylor Vinters expertise lies here. The firm has worked with Thriva, a company developing home blood test kits, and Featurespace, a company using technology to detect financial crimes. Moreover, Taylor Vinters has invested in and shared office space with tech start-up ThoughtRiver to offer RAPID, an automated contract review service. These ventures have shown success, as Shoosmiths and PwC (amongst others) now use RAPID. Furthermore, the Financial Times shortlisted Taylor Vinters in 2019 for theirInnovative Lawyers award. Therefore, focusing on renewable energy is a smart move for Taylor Vinters business and reputation.
Working in this field will provide for an exciting challenge for Taylor Vinters, as a move to renewable energy is no simple feat. Large companies might want to buy small firms who have a unique product or expertise (M&A), and any new emerging technologies (electric vehicles, hydrogen) will need liability issues addressed. Additionally, new technologies will need IP as entrepreneurs will want to protect their products or businesses. Furthermore, businesses may need to be restructured to reduce reliance on certain assets and push towards renewables. The firm can leverage its existing relationships with clients, for example, where Elliot Wilson has dealt with aspects of renewable energy in the Real Estate team.