Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed this scheme - I was given real responsibility whilst working in the two departments, I had various useful neworking opportunities and made some great friends and thought the socials were great!

Although in different departments the amount of feedback given on your work varies, you are still thoroughly appreciated for your efforts on the task completed. My contribution to the department was truly recognised.

The support system in place was so helpful - I was able to approach my trainee buddy at any time for questions and also my supervisor for any other queries, especially regarding the tasks set. I always felt comfortable approaching others for work or for questions and was made to feel like part of the team throughout.

I have developed my researching skills which will be invaluable in my law degree, as well as a more general sense of self-dependence which will come in use throughout my life. I feel the networking skills which I developed have improved my outlook generally. I learnt a lot of practical information as well as office culture which will definitely help me in the future.

It was very well structured, with the Grad Recruitment team always available and responsive if you had any questions. Our daily practice area talks meant that vac scheme students always had something to be doing on a daily basis even if we were not so busy on the department.

Taylor Wessing genuinely felt like a nice place to work. Everyone is friendly and approachable, whether you are stopping for a chat or if you need help with the work you are handling.

The daily practice area talks showed that they were really invested in teaching us about the various departments across the firm and wanted us to learn more about what we would want to specialise in. The supervisor was there as a mentor also which meant I felt like I mattered to the firm.

There is nothing which will show you more about a full time role than actually doing the full time role within the firm for some time - I was able to see the (good) work life balance and the dynamics of various teams.

I was able to see the friendly culture of the firm, although this varied across the different departments (depending on how busy the department is, at times!).

I now am sure that I would like to be a trainee solicitor, and have a good idea of what areas of interest I would have within a training contract so this was an invaluable experience.

I did not have expenses as I was lucky enough to be able to walk to work but I believe they were paid for. The weekly pay was also good and many people appreciated that it was actually paid per week rather than at the end of the month which can be less helpful to students.

Throughout, we were encouraged to meet different people from different departments (through the departmental talks everyday, or through the various drinks opportunities). I believe my networking skills have greatly improved and I am more confident speaking to new people!

There were various opportunities, with other vac scheme students/ trainees, as well as with others throughout the firm, including an event where the Managing Partner was speaking! This made us feel like we were valued members of the firm for the short period of time we were there.

Luckily I was able to go to the pro bono clinic that Taylor Wessing lawyers attend on a weekly basis. This showed me about the culture of the firm and also what their lawyers get involved with.

It was a very useful opportunity to learn about the tasks a trainee solicitor gets involved with, and also I was able to attend great socials so all in all it was a great experience!