Vacation Scheme Student Review

I could not have enjoyed myself any more than I did! The work was challenging, but there was always an abundance of support. The culture and working environment are nothing short of incredible and everybody within the firm is very friendly and welcoming.

I always felt like a valued member of the team. I was entrusted with a lot of responsibility and early exposure. There were no mundane tasks in the slightest and every department seemed genuinely very happy to have an extra member of staff, albeit briefly!

There is an abundance of support on the scheme. Partners are very friendly and accessible, with many vacation schemers organising meetings with the managing partner in order to discuss group presentations. In addition to this, you are allocated a trainee buddy and associate supervisor for each 'seat' as such; they always ensure that you are aware of what you are doing and have enough work to keep busy!

I have graduated so unfortunately the skills will not see much application in relation to my degree. Nonetheless, the scheme allows you to gain a practical understanding of how the law is applied in a commercial setting. Furthermore, you are always busy and therefore the scheme massively develops any organisational/prioritising skills.

Very well structured. There are regular 'focus on' sessions in order to allow you to gain a broad understanding of the work each department does. Furthermore, there are organised social events, the opportunity to volunteer with the firm's pro bono initiatives, a lunch with the partners and a group presentation at the end of the two weeks.

The atmosphere was second to none. I did not believe city Law firms could be so friendly and welcoming! There was not one person I met, during my whole two weeks at Taylor Wessing, who I would not be happy to share an office with. The culture is something they take very seriously and as a result you have a very friendly, supportive workplace and workforce.

The firm invested a lot of time into my personal development during the scheme. The group presentation developed my research and presentation skills, and the various networking events with trainees and partners boosted my confidence. However, as the scheme was only two weeks, there was not much time for developmental training sessions as such. I assume this is more common when you are a trainee.

As a vacation scheme student, I was given full access to the firm and its employees. The trainees in particular were more than happy to answer any questions I had regarding their role in the firm and life as a trainee. There is no overarching sense of hierarchy, and even senior partners would tell you about their role as partner and their day-to-day work.

The vacation scheme really demonstrated the award-winning culture. The working environment is challenging, but supportive. I am yet to experience any other leading city law firm with such a warm, supportive culture. In addition to this, the preparation for the group presentation involves in-depth research into the company's strategy and core values, which further develops your understanding of the firm's culture.

The scheme really cemented my opinion that I want to work in a city law firm in London. The level of exposure and high-end work is challenging but extremely rewarding; you feel both gainfully employed and valued. As for the firm, I feel Taylor Wessing is definitely a firm I would like to work for. As mentioned previously, the culture is second to none that I have experienced.

I was paid, which was a very welcome bonus as I would have been more than happy to undertake the scheme unpaid.

There were plenty opportunities to meet people at all levels of the firm. Everybody seemed very friendly and genuinely interested in my career ambitions and personal interests, regardless of their level of seniority within the firm.

We had regular networking drinks, social events, lunches etc… with people ranging from trainee to senior partner level. The social events organised included a ping pong tournament at local bar 'bounce', a cocktail making class and a three course dinner. In addition to this, there was a networking lunch on the first day and a partners lunch towards the end of the final week.

We were told a lot about the firms diversity and CSR initiatives, particularly with regards to Pro Bono. Furthermore, four of the vacation schemers were fortunate enough to be able to volunteer with the pro-bono initiative Blackfriars Settlement. Beyond CSR and Pro-Bono we were not very informed of the activities you can get involved in outside of work. It would have been good to get some more information on other opportunities, for example conferences/training sessions/sporting opportunities.

I could not recommend this vacation scheme any more. The scheme really enhanced my understanding of the work lawyers do in leading city law firms. It is well organised and you get real exposure to high-end work and clients. In addition to this, I feel it will significantly help when I am trying to secure a training contract in the near future.