Future Trainee

Theo Nicou

History

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Nabarro (now CMS)

What made you apply to Nabarro?

Nabarro’s excellent reputation, award winning vacation scheme and friendly nature motivated me to apply. Having met staff from Nabarro on two previous occasions I was very impressed by how the firm presented itself and conveyed its dedication to developing its trainees. The opportunity to spend three weeks in one department was also a big draw, as I felt it would provide me with a realistic picture of a career as a solicitor.

What was the application process like?

Nabarro’s application process was very straightforward. The assessment day offered a real insight into the culture of the firm, giving me the opportunity to interact with partners as well as trainees. A negotiation task and interview were complemented by a speed networking exercise, enabling me to meet a wide range of people from the firm.This experience gave me a clear indication of what a placement with Nabarro would be like.

How did Nabarro prepare you for your placement / internship?

The scheme started with a comprehensive induction programme which included excellent IT training and ensured that we were all comfortable and up to speed with the resources available to us. We were also paired with a trainee “buddy” for the duration of the scheme who would act as our point of contact. Having previously experienced the vacation scheme themselves, they were always on hand to offer help and advice and made settling into our departments seamless.

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?

I was really impressed with the quality and variety of work I undertook on the placement. Sitting in one department for the entirety of the scheme was an invaluable experience, allowing me to build relationships with the people I worked with. Moreover, the team element of the scheme “Project Nabarro” enabled me to get to know fellow vac schemers, making the three weeks a collective, rather than individual, experience. This, alongside the excellent social events, made the scheme very enjoyable.

What advice would you give to someone planning their placement / internship?

Make the most of the opportunity given to you. Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the department and firm as a whole and try to be as involved as possible in all aspects of the firm, not just the work side. Showing an interest provided me with a chance to observe a client’s case at the High Court as well as sit in on a completion meeting (which I understand is rare for even trainees to do!).