Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed my two weeks at Hogan Lovells. I was given real work that trainee solicitors would do, from trainees, partners, and associates. There were also regular social events, workshops and presentations which helped me understand both the work the firm does and the kind of people who work there. Most of all I was treated like a coworker rather than just a student.

I felt very included during my two weeks. I was in two different departments for the two weeks, and at the start of each week I was introduced to everyone in the department who were very friendly. People would sometimes stop by for a chat which was nice. More than anything it all felt genuine, not just put on to encourage us to join.

Quite a lot. In my first seat I was supervised by one of the firm's two graduate recruitment partners. Despite having quite a bit of work, every time I asked a question he was really patient and helpful and thorough in answering it. Lots of people offered to have coffee with me and chat about what they liked about the firm etc, as well as help me out with understanding my work if needed, which made me feel well supported the whole way through.

Insofar as my degree studies go, not very much - the practice of law is very different from studying law. But in terms of skills I did learn how to skim read better than earlier, as I was under greater time pressure. I also learnt a lot about the current legal market (and where it is going to be some years from now) which is really helpful in planning my career.

There was a good balance between presentations and actual work, which I liked. We also had a clear idea of what we were doing when from the very start. The only suggestion I have is to maybe include a presentation on career paths and business development - while most people would have done some research, a better insight is always welcome!

I absolutely loved it - everyone was friendly, helpful, and more than anything were genuine people. They separated work from their personality, so while you could make out everyone was very smart and good at what they did, they were also people you could be friends with and talk to about other things. It was clear that everyone was very professional and ambitious but at the same time a cohesive firm. The single negative comment I have (and the reason my rating is a 9, not a 10) is because of my interview experience - which admittedly is not the general atmosphere of the firm. While I expected to be pushed, one of my two interviewers was quite rude and abrupt which put me off. The other one, who is a graduate recruitment partner, asked difficult questions but in a nice way.

The firm invested in my training and development through its people in two ways. First, the people whom I interacted with in day to day work put effort into making sure I experienced real work, but helped me when I needed. Second, there were lots of presentations and workshops in which experienced partners and associates made a massive effort to help us understand the material and took time to make sure we did.

I think as much as was possible from a two week programme. I was able to see what real work was like and got in touch with people from all over the firm to discuss their experiences. However obviously I couldn't get the full experience as I don't normally live in London and work as a lawyer - but I don't think that's any fault of the vac scheme at all!

I did the first year vac scheme with Hogan Lovells as well and found that to be focussed on getting to know the firm, unlike this scheme which was all about getting to know the work and the people. The best way to get to know the firm's culture is simply work there, and that's what I had the opportunity to do for two weeks. Apart from that there were loads of social events so I got to meet people from across the firm (rather than just a select few). I think I have a really good understanding of what it would be like to spend the next few years at the firm.

There was a good combination of presentations and work to help me decide. I went in knowing I wanted to be a commercial solicitor so that remained unchanged, but I wasn't sure of the type of firm I wanted. This was one of three vac schemes at somewhat different firms. I don't think the work was particularly helpful in deciding which firm (as the work will be fairly similar at all large law firms!) but what was helpful was talking to people and finding out the subtle differences - eg. the firm has a more global focus than a specific area focus, it values people's work-life balance, and so on. I was quite convinced about joining the firm by the end of it.

We were paid £400 a week which is quite generous. I was able to afford a nice flat on Airbnb quite close to the office, and managed to save a lot of money during the scheme which is useful for the rest of the year. I think this is also more generous than many other law firms, who pay £300 a week. As far as I am aware the only firms who pay more, pay the same amount or a little less but also pay some sort of an allowance for accommodation.

Lots! All of us had trainee mentors who were our points of contact during the two weeks and were quite lovely. In addition, in each department we had a trainee in charge and a supervisor who were willing to make time to chat to us, as were other people in the department. We were also encouraged to ask people to chat. For example I contacted the people in charge of disabilities and multicultural networks in the firm who were happy to tell me more about them.

There were four organised opportunities. First, an informal networking session over drinks the first evening with trainees and graduate recruitment. Next, a dinner with trainees (and a couple of graduate recruiters). Third, a lunch with partners which was very informal and quite nice. And lastly, easily the best, dinner with partners and graduate recruitment at the Ivy. I think all of them were great networking opportunities and social events, in addition to informal chats with lots of people who were happy to.

We had a small bit on this in our introductory book (I say book but it was quite short), on the gym, sports, choir, employee networks etc. But more helpful than that was just chatting to trainees about what they do, as they were quite candid about what they have time to do (most of the things they want to). They also said they all hang out with each other outside of work as friends which to me is quite important.

Definitely - the work was helpful, it was well structured, everyone was lovely and friendly, and £800 for it doesn't hurt at all.