Student Review

I really enjoyed taking part in the Vacation Scheme. I enjoyed the department in which I was sat and was given interesting and varied work throughout the placement. The social events were really varied and placed at good points throughout the scheme. A wide range of people from throughout the firm attended our events, allowing us to meet many new people. The access to people and work throughout the three weeks allowed me to get a real insight into life at the firm, which was immensely enjoyable.

I felt valued massively by many members of the team which helped me to fit in extremely quickly. Some team members were more welcoming than others, but many were willing to offer up their time to help with a problem, put a task in context, or even just chat about career options and day to day life at the firm. A lot of my work was sent on to clients or used as part of a proposal or deal, allowing me to feel valued during my time at Nabarro.

My trainee buddy and supervisor, as well as the people with whom I shared an office, were all incredibly supportive. It was made clear that there are no stupid questions and I also felt like I had someone to turn to for advice throughout the whole scheme. The trainees in particular were really hands on and empathised with our position as vac scheme students. Trainees were continuously willing to offer guidance and support on department tasks, assessed work and just general life at the firm.

Many of the tasks which I completed are extremely practical and would not necessarily relate to the work I will continue to do for my degree next year. However, I learnt a lot about time management and working under pressure. These skills will help to advance my studies at university and aid my work ethic in general. My ability to research and write about this research has improved immensely and I feel that this will aid my essay writing for when I return to my studies.

The scheme was extremely well organised and structured in a way which was beneficial to all those involved. The social events were well spread out and allowed us all to get to know each other really well. There was something going on all the time and there was never a moment where I felt like I did not know where to go or what I would be doing for the day ahead. This allowed me to feel relaxed and reassured that I was in good hands throughout the placement.

The atmosphere of my department in particular was so friendly, supportive and enthusiastic. I connected quickly and easily with many people in my team, specifically the trainees, and this allowed me to feel part of the department very early on. The entire firm has a friendly open door feel, from the trainees, to the partners, to the support staff. The grad recruitment team were so great throughout the three weeks and allowed all the vac scheme students to relax and enjoy the three weeks, without feeling like we were being watched at all times.

It is clear that training continues from the vac scheme level all the way through to partner level. There were many training sessions throughout my time at the firm, some designed for just vac scheme students, but also many aimed at fee earners throughout the department or firm. I think it is important that the training never ends, no matter how long you have been at the firm, and this allows for personal development to continue. It is very evident that the firm continues to invest in its people long term.

I feel like we were really immersed into the life of the firm whilst we were there. I got an appreciation of the hours I would be doing as a trainee due to the amount of hours the current trainees do, plus I got first hand experience of this when I stayed late myself. It is clear that a lot of extra activities are out on for us which would not be accurate of having a full time role at the firm, but generally I felt like we got an accurate representation of what day to day life is like.

Being so immersed into the work and life in general at the firm, I feel that I really got to know the type of person which the firm tends to hire. There is a friendly, open door culture in the firm and this creates a good working environment. It is clear that there is a very collegiate feel about the place and that keeping this culture is very important.

The access which I got to real work was invaluable in helping me decide which area of law I would like to go into. Being able to go to client meetings and listen in on client calls has aided my understanding massively and helped me to form my future career choices as I have now have real life experience on which to make these decisions.

I was paid £275 a week for this scheme.

There was a networking training session which allowed us to meet summer scheme students from another company. We were taught techniques on how to network within the firm as well as with other people. There was a partner dinner as well as many social events which gave us chance to meet many different types of people from throughout the firm and get a real grasp of what it is like to work here.

The social events were really varied and enjoyable. There was something for everyone and all tickets, food and drink was covered cost wise. It was great to have so many social events, however some of the activities were heavily packed in, making the scheme extremely tired when you get back so late each night.

There seem to be many volunteering and fundraising options, as well as pro bono work with a local legal clinic. There are also sports teams, some of which went off to Liverpool for the weekend to compete in the corporate games. There appear to be many regular networking events as well as evening drinks which people from all levels of the firm can get involved with.

Yes I would recommend the scheme to a friend. There was so much opportunity to get involved in real work and meet people from across the firm. The social events and assessed tasks allowed for a really varied and diverse experience. The scheme is completely accessible for a second year law student and a really good chance to see what life is like inside a law firm. The whole firm is incredibly open and friendly, but the trainees really were our saving grace. They are so willing to help you with any aspect of work as well as offering general career advice. The trainees really made this experience for me.