Vacation Scheme Review

I enjoyed my two weeks at Taylor Wessing very much. It was very well organised giving us the opportunity to both get involved with some real work and get an insight to every department of the firm. Our everyday schedule was very well thought out, including some very enjoyable social events as well.

Everyone I got to work at the firm was very welcoming and willing to explain and get me involved in the work they were doing. They always took the time to give me feedback on what I did and in general they were very appreciative for everything I contributed.

The recruitment team was there to help us from the very beginning. As well as that my trainee buddies and my supervisors always explained the tasks I was given and were always available if I needed further support. To add to this, everyone else was more than happy to help.

This being my first vacation scheme, it gave me a lot of insight in how a City law firm actually operates and what a solicitor's daily routine is all about. To add to this, it showed me how you operate in such an environment and taught me the kind of skills, such as communication skills and organisational skills, necessary to succeed in this fast paced environment.

The insight was very well structured as in the space of two-weeks we were able to learn everything about Taylor Wessing, as well as receiving a presentation for every single department. Also, we got to work in two departments which allowed us to get hands on experience in the different departments we were interested in. Finally, the social events were very enjoyable and provided for the right balance between fun and work.

The general atmosphere was great. The recruitment team was very enthusiastic and welcoming throughout our time there. The people assigned to supervise us were very friendly and willing to help us get the most out of our vacation scheme. Eventually even people that were not directly involved with us were happy to talk and work with us.

I had an allocated trainee buddy and a supervisor for each week that aimed to guide me and answer any questions I had. To add to this, at the end of each week I had an appraisal meeting to discuss my strength and weaknesses. I will also receive feedback on my overall performance by the recruitment team.

It gave me a very good picture of what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm, especially for the early years of my employment. This is because I had a lot of interaction with trainees and junior associates getting to do the tasks they are usually assigned with. To add to this, I had the opportunity to interact with more senior employees that gave me their insight on their daily work.

The insight highlighted the friendly environment of the firm I came to know from the assessment day. I was also introduced to the core values of the firm such as innovation and ambition for clients which were explained in depth by the people in the firm. I was also able to see how these values are actually applied in the firm, such as through technological investment.

As I got to do the type of work a trainee does, I believe it was an invaluable experience that will shape my decision on a future legal career.

I was adequately reimbursed for my two weeks at Taylor Wessing.

I had full access in the two departments I was placed in to meet and talk with everyone. I was also encouraged to ask if I wanted to speak with anyone else from the firm which was arranged a number of times. To add to this, the presentations gave us the opportunity to meet and talk with employees from every department. Finally during the social events were were able to interact in a more relaxed manner with a number of employees from all the rankings.

There were numerous networking opportunities such as the welcoming drinks and the values lunch where I had the opportunity to talk with numerous employees. Similarly the external events gave me the opportunity to discuss in a more relaxed environment with trainees which is the position I am aiming to be at in the near future.

I find out about certain sporting events certain employees were involved with. To add to this, there was the opportunity to be involved in the pro bono programme many employees take part in.

I would definitely recommend this insight to any friend that is contemplating the idea of a legal career. It is a great experience overall. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn what being a solicitor in a big City law firm actually entails. Finally, it is a unique chance to experience how Taylor Wessing operates.