Sean Xue, winner of the ILBF law undergraduate essay competition 2025, recently completed his prize of a week’s work experience with competition sponsor, Brown Rudnick. In this article, Sean shares his experience.
From Sean Xue
Strolling along Savile Row in the heart of Mayfair under a brilliant summer sun, I arrived at 8 Clifford Street. A deceptively modest façade concealing one of the capital’s most refined legal boutiques. I entered to the warm welcome of a gracious concierge Mubarak, whose smile instantly put me at ease. Soon thereafter, Vasilena and Scot appeared to guide me through the week’s itinerary, their reassurance dissolving any lingering apprehension.
One meeting room in particular remains vivid in my memory: walls awash in deep crimson, a polished timber table at its centre and an exquisite crystal chandelier refracting soft light across the space. Such unexpected elegance felt more akin to a private drawing room than a conventional firm setting.
Over the course of the week, I was granted a rare glimpse into the firm’s intricate workings. Zoé and Ella delivered an illuminating presentation on business development and marketing, while David patiently explained the nuances of the billing process. Each session deepened my appreciation for the dedicated efforts that uphold Brown Rudnick’s London practice.
The pinnacle of my experience, however, was immersion in live litigation under the mentorship of Jane Colston, ILBF Trustee and Brown Rudnick’s London Co-Chair of Litigation. Jane entrusted me with drafting memos and preparing draft court applications, even assigning me the task of delivering documents necessary in an ongoing court application. No, I did not have to dress as a pizza delivery courier, but that simple responsibility taught me invaluable lessons in composure, punctuality and quiet confidence.
Working within a tightly knit team of over twenty litigators, I saw how every task, from the smallest research query to the most substantial strategic briefing, builds toward a good team and shared victory. These experiences honed my ability to be proactive, collaborate seamlessly and embrace responsibility with enthusiasm. I’m particularly grateful to Katy-Jade Church and Menelaos Karampetsos for sharing their career journeys, which deeply inspired me; to George Page and Joshua Fraiser for offering invaluable advice on thriving as a trainee; to Bethany Williams for patiently guiding me through drafting key documents (and congratulations to her on qualifying this September!); and to the talented Finance and Marketing teams for revealing the vital, behind-the-scenes admin work that keeps a firm running smoothly.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jane and to the ILBF for this extraordinary opportunity. Their faith and support have allowed me to witness the true artistry at the heart of legal practice.
For fellow students, I encourage you to enter the 2026 ILBF competition! It will allow you to tackle a legal issue of global importance, where your ideas are seen by leading practitioners, and grant you unparalleled hands-on experience – an invaluable foundation for a career in law.
Jane Colston said:
“On behalf of the Brown Rudnick team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Sean for his outstanding contribution during his week with us. From, for example, speaking at our litigation team meeting about his essay which won the ILBF competition, researching aspects of crypto disputes and helping prepare court applications, he exemplified the professionalism and spirit that define our litigation team in London. What was truly impressive was how fully he immersed himself in every aspect of our work including attending a business development strategy session and a session on understanding the intricacies of running the practice – reminding us why we proudly support the ILBF programme. Resourceful, collaborative, and deeply curious, Sean was an absolute pleasure to mentor. We’re proud to have had him with us and can’t wait to see all he will achieve in the future!”
“As a lead sponsor of the ILBF essay competition, we look forward to seeing the next generation of legal talent break through, empowered by the vital support of this organisation. Our thanks go to the ILBF team for facilitating the competition and for their outstanding work in distributing legal research resources across the globe.”
Sean Xue
Sean and Jane on Brown Rudnick’s elegant staircase
Sean with Jane and Matt Sharpe, Partner, Brown Rudnick at the 20th anniversary event
