Spring Vacation Scheme Student Review

The Spring Vacation Scheme confirmed my desire to pursue a career at Hogan Lovells. Being involved in real-life, cutting edge work and being in the same departments where huge deals were taking place put the prospect into reality. Being given the opportunity to network with a range of representatives from the firm to build new contacts and to gain hints and tips really highlighted to me that the firm was interested in me as an individual, and my future. The week provided me with exposure to numerous areas of the law and the opportunity to develop a myriad of skills. This allowed me to make some great friendships. I can't wait to be back.

Being assigned a mentor both before and during the week, and for the foreseeable future enabled me to easily integrate into the firm and feel welcomed. Furthermore, when being assigned a trainee supervisor for each department we sat in, this provided us with an approachable point of contact to voice any queries about the tasks we had been given. All levels of seniority in the firm were keen to meet us and learn more about who we were and how are week was going. This made me feel extremely valued and already part of the team.

Having two main Scheme coordinators provided us with a point of contact to raise any queries or questions we had about the week in general, or alternatively about the application process for Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts. Advice was given at the beginning of the week in regards to approaching the scheme. Being assigned a trainee mentor allowed us to meet regularly and discuss how we were finding the week and ask any advice, whether that be specific to the tasks we had been given, or more general questions.

I was able to vastly improve my analytical skills when partaking in typical trainee tasks such as proof-reading documents and drafting a contract for the registering of a charity. This required a large amount of attention to detail and enabled me to further develop my understanding of the role of a commercial solicitor. The information proved both invaluable and insightful, notably talk from former Hogan Lovells' Lawyer, Chris Stoakes, I was able to understand the importance of commercial awareness and what it is in essence.

An introduction to the firm and what the week would entail was extremely beneficial and a great way to identify with the firm and to meet the other vacation scheme students we would be spending the week with. The 3 afternoons of work shadowing was a great balance with the workshops and talks provided. Having a mock assessment centre at the end of the week was the perfect end to the week and an invaluable insight into what the next stage of our career might entail.

All of the vacation schemers got along extremely well and were all encouraged to interact with each other from day one. Being assigned various groups at the beginning of the week enabled all of the students to build rapport with each other and consequently successfully work on the group exercises we had been assigned. A real highlight was a partner-hosted dinner, not only for the seemingly delicious food, but also for the opportunity this gave us to gain a different insight into the firm and its values from some of Hogan Lovells' most senior people.

Since we have been fast-tracked for the summer Vacation Scheme process, whereby we are not required to complete the online test or telephone interview, I believe that this shows the firm is interested in our future development and progression. The skills sessions that were led throughout the week taught us a plethora of attributes, including the art of pitching and how to negotiate successfully, both of which are necessary skills to become a successful lawyer.

The insight certainly provided an insight into what it would be like to work for the firm, which I gained through sitting in 3 different departments. However, it was more limited in the extent to which it enabled me to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm, since the week entailed other activities such as skills workshops and group exercises.

I believe that you can't fully appreciate the culture of a firm until you have actually visited the firm and met the people in person. The insight was a brilliant way to gain an understanding of the company culture since I was able to meet so many different people from the firm, from secretaries to partners.

Rather than helping decide, the content of the week helped me to confirm my desire to pursue a career in commercial law at an international law firm. The week did however bring new areas of the law to my attention, increasing my knowledge of the types of law practiced within a commercial law firm. Seeing work being done for big corporations and clients furthered my ambition,

All reasonable travel expenses were reimbursed up to £150 and we were also paid for the week. This was definitely an adequate amount for the week and it enabled me to fund my stay in London as a student who stayed there throughout the week. This was a nice addition to the experience as a whole.

On the first and last day of the scheme we had networking lunches with trainees from the firm, including our mentors, which provided us with the chance to g to identify he types of people working for the firm and whether we would could see ourselves working with and alongside the representatives. Furthermore, the opportunity to attend a Partner hosted dinner on the roof terrace of the firm was an invaluable experience.

There was a wide range of networking opportunities all of which were a great way to hear different people's perspectives of the firm and how they got to the position they were in. Although there was only one main social event (the Partner Dinner), I think due to the shorter nature of the scheme, this was enough.

We were given a talk specifically on the Pro-Bono opportunities available at the firm to gain an insight into the firm's CSR strategies and involvements in the local community. After having an office tour and general introduction to the firm, it was immediately apparent from the in-house gym, that the firm encourages you to have an active and balanced lifestyle. I was assured by my trainee mentor that there are plenty of clubs and activities that you can immerse yourself into.

100%. The insight has been a welcomed addition to my CV and a great platform for further opportunities. The experience I gained was second to none and I would encourage anyone in the early stages of their career to consider applying, due to the level of trust and amount of opportunities given to you throughout the week.