Bird & Bird (Motivation & Commercial Awareness) Flashcards
How will you balance the commitments of the programme?
Balancing the commitments of the solicitor apprenticeship programme requires strong organisation, time management, and honesty about my workload. Currently having two part-time jobs alongside my studies, I have experienced how to manage this, developing structured approaches to handling different tasks.
- To ensure I manage my commitments effectively, I would start by planning my schedule carefully. Using tools such as calendars or task management apps to map out important deadlines for both the apprenticeship and my studies, I am able to allocate time more efficiently or effectively.
- Furthermore, I also recognise the importance of maintaining focus. Tasks should be prioritised based on urgency and complexity, allowing me to spend my energy in a focused and balanced way. Taking proper breaks is key to this strategy, allowing me to maintain productivity for longer or more repetitive tasks.
- However, there are also times where I believe in being honest about my workload. If I feel overwhelmed or unable to meet a deadline despite my 100% effort, I would communicate this early to ensure there is room for adjustments or additional support. This transparency is important in both my academic work and professional responsibilities.
By sticking to this structure, I’m confident I can balance my apprenticeship commitments with my other responsibilities, ensuring I can excel in both the programme and my other roles.
Why do you want to pursue a solicitor apprenticeship rather than the traditional university route?
There are 3 key reasons I wish to pursue a degree apprenticeship.
The primary reason is of course the prioritisation of hands-on experience alongside studying. During my gap year, I have found that I thrive much more in environments where I continuously apply my learning, especially when observing other professionals and replicating things using my own understanding.
Second of all, I believe the solicitor apprenticeship route is key in developing financial maturity. As a young professional, being an apprentice and earning a wage will help me develop financial literacy in paying taxes and understanding a paycheck, something which tends to be exposed to university students much later in their career. Having financial responsibility and freedom is something I look forward to have, something which I particularly took pride in most recently having paid for all of my driving lessons from my part-time employment.
Finally, the most important reason for me is the networking and professional development aspect of working in a company, particularly in a company such as _______ where there is such a wide network of growth and support. Being able to interact with both lawyers and clients with a large wealth of knowledge and experience at such an early age would be such a privilege to have, and something I find especially valuable to continuously develop over the long-term period of the apprenticeship. Since commercial law is essentially a people’s occupation, I would relish the opportunity to build my skills and build a rapport from a very young age professionally.
What attracts you to Bird & Bird, and how do you think its sector-focused approach sets it apart from other law firms?
What motivates me to join Bird & Bird is its strong sector focus and outstanding reputation in IP law. Reading about the firm’s successful patent litigation appeal for NanoString attracts me as an aspiring apprentice, having the opportunity to work on such high-profile cases with unparalleled expertise. Following the recent opening of the Tokyo office, Bird & Bird’s global network is is certainly an appealing factor, in which I would be thrilled to participate as an A-level languages student that desires such rewarding, tangible work.
Furthermore, what strikes me about the firm is its investment into its apprentices and the value that they bring to the firm. Learning that a degree apprentice currently co-chairs the Muslim Faith Group at the firm from the virtual Open Day as well as reading apprentice articles on the firm’s MediaWrites hub excites me about the tangible contributions made at Bird & Bird, where apprentices are consistently challenged and valued. Across its enforced sector focus, accessible podcasts and reputation for building legal tech like Legora AI, I know that Bird & Bird is an innovative firm that understands its clients’ commercial perspective, therefore being the best place to hone my passions and skills on a long-term basis, consistently engaging my intellectual curiosity through practical work and building my network across the 6 years of the programme.
Finally, despite its commercial prowess, I also admire Bird & Bird’s commitment to its people, promoting its ‘One Firm’ culture through its affinity of network groups such as EMBRACE and through initiatives such as a period positivity drive, which I particularly align with having been the Head Girl of an all-girls school. Overall I believe Bird & Bird perfectly marries innovation and compassion, setting its employees up for success and therefore the firm I wish to work for.
What do you understand by ‘commercial awareness,’ and how do you keep up to date with legal and business developments?
To me, commercial awareness means having a developed understanding of the business environment and seeing how legal practice must be conducted in light of this to integrate into this landscape. For example, market changes, politics and new regulations can influence business decisions, which lawyers need to handle to provide pragmatic advice that supports a client’s objectives.
I keep up to date with legal and business developments through several strategies. Primarily, this is through a range of podcasts such as The Rest is Money, the FT News Briefing and even Bird & Bird’s ‘Retail Therapy’, augmenting my knowledge on economic developments on a sector-specific, UK and international level.
Secondly, I subscribe to online newsletters such as LittleLaw, providing me insight on latest regulatory updates and firm specific cases that have large implications on the legal world. This is compounded through keeping up with reputable newspapers such as the BBC in both English and Spanish, which is particularly important to me as a languages student, but also seeing upcoming risks through political instability across Latin America and the world in general.
Finally, I regularly attend webinars hosted by firms and platforms such as Legal Cheek, providing the opportunity to ask questions first-hand from professionals and gain specific insight into how commercial cases and trends impacts practice,
As an apprentice, these habits not only help me stay informed but also equip me with the tools to anticipate changes that could affect our clients. Ultimately, I believe that a well-informed solicitor can bridge the gap between legal theory and commercial practice, adding real value to their clients’ operations while advancing the firm’s competitive edge.
Can you give an example of a recent legal or commercial issue that caught your attention? How might it impact Bird & Bird’s clients?
Introduction:
A major legal and commercial issue that caught my attention is the growing private equitisation of children’s homes in the UK. Around 80% of these homes are privately run, with many backed by sovereign investors and private equity firms. The main dilemma of this is the growing concerns surrounding the quality of care for vulnerable children, as increasing scrutiny has revealed the lucrative market this delicate sector has brought to investors.
Impact on the UK:
For a firm like Bird & Bird, which has a strong focus on corporate and regulatory law, this issue brings both challenges and opportunities. Investors looking to enter this sector therefore need guidance on compliance, safeguarding standards, and corporate social responsibility as this is a very delicate public matter.Furthermore, businesses must prioritise risk management and good governance to protect their reputation, with solicitors providing guidance on how to work with public governing bodies such as councils in a more ethical way.
International Considerations:
This issue extends beyond the UK, as some of the biggest operators in this sector are backed by international private equity firms, such as Netherlands-based Waterland. Bird & Bird’s expertise in cross-border transactions and regulatory frameworks can help these investors navigate the UK’s evolving legal landscape. As regulations tighten across Europe, businesses will need to adapt to ensure compliance in multiple jurisdictions.
If a client from the technology sector approached you for legal advice, what factors would you consider in order to provide the best possible service?
If a client from the technology sector approached me for legal advice, I would begin by considering several key factors to ensure I provide the best possible service.
First, understanding the company’s global reach is crucial. If the client operates internationally, there are often multiple legal jurisdictions to navigate. I would need to assess which jurisdictions have the most significant impact on their business, as this could involve compliance with different local laws, regulations, and market practices. For instance, a tech company may need to adhere to data protection laws in the EU (like the GDPR) or intellectual property laws in multiple regions, requiring tailored advice for each jurisdiction.
Another major factor would be their intellectual property (IP) portfolio. Tech companies often rely heavily on IP, so I would review their patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets to ensure they are properly protected. Depending on the client’s needs, I might advise on filing patents internationally or ensuring trademark protection. I would also examine any potential IP litigation risks, such as infringement claims, and recommend strategies to defend or enforce their rights.
Additionally, I’d focus on regulatory compliance, especially if the company works in industries with specific rules like cybersecurity or data privacy. Finally, I’d review any contracts with customers, suppliers, or partners to ensure their terms safeguard the client’s interests and minimize legal risk.
By addressing these factors, I would provide tailored, comprehensive advice to help the tech company navigate the complexities of their business.
