Case study

Ryan Lysycia — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Taylor Wessing

Ryan studied for an LLB in Law and American Studies. After working at Taylor Wessing as a paralegal, he’s now a third seat trainee at the firm

Tell us more about your degree.

It included a year abroad in Arizona. Studying the connections between US and UK legal systems was fascinating, though I quickly learned that American legal dramas bear little resemblance to actual practice (it’s not all like Suits).

Beyond the legal aspects, I explored the history, politics, culture, and literature of the Americas. The year abroad gave me an invaluable perspective on different legal cultures and confirmed that good coffee is universal to a lawyer's survival.

Why did you choose a career in law?

I chose law because I'm genuinely passionate about solving complex problems; I like taking them apart and reconstructing them into clear, actionable solutions. Every client comes to us with unique challenges - whether it's a corporation navigating regulatory compliance, an individual facing employment issues, or a property developer structuring a complex transaction. The work has real commercial implications and helps people achieve their goals while protecting their interests.

What has your training contract involved so far?

I've had the opportunity to experience diverse practice areas through my rotations in Employment, Disputes and Investigations, and Real Estate. This variety has given me invaluable insight into different aspects of legal practice and helped me understand how various departments interconnect to serve our clients' needs.

How did you come to join Taylor Wessing?

Before securing my training contract, I worked as a corporate paralegal at Taylor Wessing, which gave me an insider's view of the firm's culture and values. I was immediately drawn to Taylor Wessing's personable culture. It's a place where you can work on challenging, high-quality matters for prestigious clients without the intimidating hierarchical atmosphere you might find elsewhere. People genuinely invest time in your development. They don't just ask ‘how are you’ in passing but wait for the answer.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?

Honest communication is key. When I'm at capacity, I say so. Taking on more work when you're already stretched helps nobody. I also make sure to enjoy quieter periods and weekends - these moments of respite are crucial for maintaining long-term performance.

For me, having a sport or hobby is essential. It completely takes my mind off work and helps me relax.

What three qualities are most important for a successful legal career?

People skills - law is fundamentally about people. Regardless of academic achievements, you're working with people, representing people, and making decisions affecting people's lives. Being personable and persuasive matters whether you're gauging client concerns or negotiating with opposing solicitors. The ability to connect with people and understand their motivations often determines whether clients follow your advice and whether you can reach favourable outcomes in negotiations.

Creativity - the most successful lawyers combine logical analysis with creative problem-solving. The best solution isn't always the most obvious one, and to truly serve clients' interests, you often need to think outside conventional approaches. Creativity is what transforms good lawyers into exceptional ones.

Resilience and self-confidence - the legal profession demands resilience from day one. Don't be discouraged by the competitive training contract process or inevitable challenges. Have the confidence to apply (and reapply if necessary), always seeking feedback. Use setbacks as development opportunities. This resilience will serve you throughout your career, helping you navigate complex cases, difficult clients, and the demanding workload that comes with the territory - challenges that ultimately reinforce your commitment to this rewarding profession.

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