Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed the vacation scheme. There was a wide variety of presentations and activities outside of the desk work so it did not get boring. The desk-work itself was fun and varied, I learnt a lot about the substantive law and the necessary skills to be a solicitor in the seats I sat in.

I was given tasks to complete that would contribute to the work being done by associates on current deals they were involved with at the time. They used my research in their work and gave comprehensive feedback on how to make it better and more useful to them. This high level of responsibility meant that I really felt that my work was valued.

I had regular feedback and support from associates and trainees within the department throughout the week, as well as an extended feedback session at the end regarding my assessed research task. Everyone was very supportive, and I regularly got taken out for coffee or lunch.

The practical skills I have learnt from conducting tasks for the associates will assist me when doing my training contract and the LPC. I received useful insight into the difference in approach and focus of the legal work here - for example, initially my research task was too focussed on the academic arguments, and I adjusted it to focus on the solution to the client's problem. Additionally, the negotiation skills workshop was really useful in providing useful skills that will be applicable in the working environment, mostly regarding how the structure of the negotiation can really affect the outcome.

There were a variety of activities and presentations spread throughout the duration of the two weeks. There was a clear timetable and the events started and finished on time. They were sufficiently spread out so that they did not interfere with our desk work and we had ample time between the activities to finished our assessed research task.

Everyone was very friendly and always happy to go through a point, to be asked questions and to go for coffee or lunch to give further insight into the firm. There were lots of social activities in the evenings which were a great opportunity to bond with the other students on the vacation scheme.

We were given a wide array of opportunities full compensated throughout the two weeks that would enhance our personal training and development. This was both in terms of legal and practical skills to use in the workplace, and in terms of the social interactions and rapport-building that is necessary when working in a large office environment as it involves interaction with lots of people every day.

On every occasion I was given the same sort of work as the trainees in the firm and was given the same level of feedback as they would receive also. I participated in meetings, interactive sessions and many other types of work that gave me an idea of the full spectrum of tasks and areas of law that trainees at the firm work in.

From talking to numerous associates and trainees at the firm I feel that I more fully understand the firm's culture than when I started. Every task or activity I participated in reflected the firms culture in terms of their commitment and sociability, as well as the high level of work that I and others were doing.

I feel more certain in the career path I would like to take after University, as I really enjoyed the vacation scheme. Additionally, I feel that I am in a better position to pursue further academic study as before doing the vacation scheme I believed it was not encouraged. Through talking to people with an array of academic backgrounds and expertise my view has changed and I am very optimistic about my future career and the incorporation of a masters degree within this.

I believe I was paid more than adequately for this experience. Although travel expenses were not covered, my pay for the two weeks contributed and exceeded the amount I paid. HSF also paid for meals and other experiences so there was really no other expenses apart from travel in the morning.

Throughout the two weeks I had the opportunity to meet a range of employees at the firm. In the groups I sat in I spoke to the majority of people working there, and I emailed members of other groups that I was interested in and was able to have coffee with the associates of these. There were also lots of networking events where I spoke to partners, associates and trainees from the firm.

The networking and social events were plentiful and all very enjoyable. There were a variety of team-building events where we got to know the other students on the vacation scheme a lot better, and there were several networking events where we had the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of people from across the breadth of the firm.

We had presentations about the pro bono activities that trainees and associates can get involved with, and had the opportunity to undertake our own group research task on one of these areas. Additionally, we had presentations on the social and sporting activities that members of the firm are involved in.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend. It is invaluable in the insight it gives into the work and culture of the firm, and there are numerous opportunities and activities throughout the two weeks to get to know a wide variety of people. Everyone is extremely friendly and it is overall a very valuable experience for anyone considering a career as a city lawyer.