#PortraitDrouot – An intense and formative experience for Wassila Ezzaoui, apprentice legal professional

When entering the meeting room on the ground floor of our Bordeaux offices, Wassila Ezzaoui sits at the large glass table reflecting the light of this rainy day and exclaims, touched: “This is exactly where I had my job interview!”. Our exchange may resemble an interview, but the context is quite different: today, the Master’s student in Business Contracts and Market Law at the Faculty of Law and Political Science of the University of Bordeaux tells us about her experience as an apprentice at Macfarlanes LLP.

First steps in learning

 

She remembers being as enthusiastic as she was anxious when she started her apprenticeship. “It was my first real professional experience in a law firm, so it created a bit of apprehension, like any new thing you do”. But she was above all determined and willing.

“I was looking for an intense experience where I was really put to use. I got what I asked for!” She who hates being bored and has a taste for work, understood from the first weeks that she was in the right place and had found the right person to train her.

“I was immediately inspired by Me Anne-Sophie Vargues, my apprenticeship supervisor. During the interview, I met a dynamic, successful woman, already a partner lawyer at 33. I identified with her because I hope to achieve a similar career path.”

Toutes les deux ont un fort tempérament, une grande capacité de travail et fonctionnent de manière similaire. « Au début de mon entretien d’embauche, elle a été très directe – ce que j’apprécie – et m’a dit ‘je cherche quelqu’un d’autonome, proactif, qui comprenne rapidement et qui devienne mon bras droit’. C’était exactement ce que je voulais ».

Skill development and real empowerment

 

What particularly interests Wassila is that Me Vargues has been developing a new division within the firm for a few years, that of agri-food. "This creation of activity meant a lot of work, things to build, responsibilities. I knew I was going to challenge myself and evolve quickly. Which is important, because months pass quickly in apprenticeship, there is no time to waste."

Wassila was involved in the cases from start to finish. No photocopying internship or simple isolated research. No, Wassila was given responsibility from the beginning of her training, she was always supported and guided in monitoring the cases. “We are given a real role to play within the firm”.

What struck her was seeing her gradually gain confidence in her work. "At first, I discovered niche subjects I knew nothing about. I had to dare to take the plunge. Fortunately, my university education gave me solid foundations that allow me to easily grasp new subjects." She recalls: "When I presented my work to Me Vargues, she would ask me each time, 'Are you sure of your answer?' At first, I was hesitant, but then I learned to trust myself and answer, 'Yes, I am sure of my answer.'"

A young firm

In the Bordeaux office, the average age is under 30. And for Wassila, that changes quite a few things on a daily basis.

"Working in a human-sized firm with welcoming people who are keen to share their experience is every apprentice's dream. The atmosphere is more relaxed than in some firms. You can easily ask questions about the legal profession, their training… The common living spaces create real moments of sharing and exchange, which may seem like a detail but is essential in a firm.".

Wassila's apprenticeship will end in September 2023, at which time she will take the CRFPA.

 

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