18 COMMERCIAL By Alexander Gubbins First year trainee Commercial is one of the smaller departments of the firm but it offers a broad and varied range of work. Reviewing and drafting contracts forms a substantial part of this, and can be in the context of intellectual property, sponsorship, advertising, research and development, sale of goods and supply of services, data-protection, agency and distribution, e-commerce and outsourcing (the list goes on). The industries involved include betting and gaming, hotels and leisure, IT, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and retail. The work is ongoing and requires lawyers to get close to clients and to understand the industries in which they operate. As a trainee I have been involved in much of the above. In particular I have been responsible for drafting and amending agreements, writing attendance notes of meetings or conference calls, drafting emails to clients and carrying out research for clients. I have been involved in department know-how and research, and the regular commerce and technology departmental meetings provide an opportunity to present any findings on recent case law and legal updates. I have also attended conferences and marketing events. Particular highlights have included working on the sponsorship agreement of a European football club, attending meetings with Counsel related to the potential breach of a pharmaceutical contract, formulating the terms and conditions of an online casino and also drafting the terms of an underwear and swimwear modelling competition. Other trainees have worked on interesting projects such as purchase and sale agreements for racing cars, the terms and conditions of online gaming websites, privacy notices for websites and agreements dealing with formulae for nutritional supplements. TAX By Rob Beazley Second year trainee The six months I spent in the tax department were eye-opening. The department is one of the biggest in the City and is one in which there is a true variety of work, the opportunity to spend time with a selection of bright, entertaining and friendly people and a place where your opinions are really valued. The variety is a product of the nature of the subject and the structure of the department. The department is split into four core areas - funds, corporate, real estate and private client. As trainees work within all four areas, during a six-month seat you will have exposure to a variety of taxes and the chance to work with a number of different partners and associates on a range of matters. In terms of preconceptions, most people relate tax to number-crunching. That is what accountants do. Tax law involves advisory work, legal analysis and structuring. In fact you do not need to be mathematical. Day-to-day jobs for a tax lawyer involve addressing situations, analysing which taxes are applicable and most importantly, finding ways to improve the result. Don’t be under any illusion that it is an easy ride, despite the fact that the department has a reputation for good hours. The work is often complicated and without the years of experience that your colleagues have there will be few occasions over the six months when you will feel completely comfortable in what you do. However, it is a fantastic seat. The work is stimulating, challenging and not only will you learn something new every day but it will also give you an insight into the bigger picture of why things are done as they are.
HINTS & TIPS The <strong>SJ</strong> <strong>Berwin</strong> trainees have come together to offer you a few choice hints and tips for your impending training contract interview. We hope you find them useful, and wish you all the best of luck!! 19
Change language