First Year Spring Scheme Review

It was really insightful not only because there were lots of honest and informative seminars given by both the graduate recruitment team and the lawyers there, but also because the trainees whom we shadowed were willing to let us try out some of the work that they were doing. I really appreciate the effort Hogan Lovells has put into the scheme. It is clear that Hogan Lovells really wishes to recruit potential but also people who would treat Hogan Lovells as a place for personal growth.

Very much so. We were entrusted to try out some of the tasks that trainees would have to carry out on a daily basis. The graduate recruitment team also checked on us regularly to make sure we felt comfortable. The trainees as well as their supervisors have all been very welcoming and were willing to share their personal stories with us.

We were never left alone and we always had someone to turn to if we were lost or confused about a task that we had to do

I appreciate the honest and open approach which Hogan Lovells took during the firm presentation. Again, it is clear from the emphasis Hogan Lovells puts on work-life balance and support that the firm tries hard to promote personal growth as well as growth as a lawyer.

The timetable was rich and covered a very broad range of topics

It was intense because there was so much we could take in for the whole week but it was definitely worth it. It was also great to have met so many friends on the scheme.

We were first year students but it was clear that the firm wished to invest in us. The time and effort everyone at the firm have put into making us feel welcomed and making sure that we had a true experience of what it might be like to be a City lawyer show this. Through talking to trainees at the firm, it is also clear that Hogan Lovells is not merely recruiting for trainees or employees, but future partners who will lead the firm and allow it to expand and gain an even greater global presence.

Again, trainees have allowed us to try out some of the tasks that they do on a daily basis. I even had the opportunity to work with my supervising trainee and assist her in completing a task that was new to her. Through speaking to so many partners and associates, we have also been able to gain an insight as to what it might be like to be a City lawyer at the management level

We have stayed there for a week, spending at least 5-6 hours at the firm per day. We were always surrounded by trainees or associates so I have definitely gained a greater understanding of the company's culture, Again, I really appreciate how honest trainees have been with me as I asked them about their life as a trainee which has notoriously been stressful and tiring.

Having gained such a deep insight into what it might be like to be a City lawyer, especially at an international firm like Hogan Lovells, I have no doubt that this is what I wish to do in my future career and I cannot wait to start my journey as a solicitor.

We had lunch with trainees twice during the week and the partners have also hosted a dinner. It was really interesting speaking to partners in this informal setting and to hear about their stories of personal growth at the firm. It was a great way to ask more extended questions and it was a really enjoyable evening afterall.

The pro bono work that Hogan Lovells gets involved in is really meaningful. Every firm has some sort of pro bono work but the fact that such pro bono work also is useful for a trainee's development as a lawyer is what makes these pro bono schemes even more meaningful.