Vacation scheme student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme.

The grad recruitment team clearly put a lot of effort into planning the week and making it a success. In addition, there were many talks organised for us, including presentations by the graduate recruitment partners and the managing partner. This meant that we felt as though the firm felt our presence on the vacation scheme as being valuable.

I was set initial tasks by my supervisors and then reported back to them when these were complete. In addition, my trainee buddies in each department gave me work to carry out. I felt that there was a good degree of independence and I was trusted to get on with things but had the reassurance of knowing I could ask questions, especially to my trainee buddies, if necessary.

The skills I developed and information I received will definitely help me to focus on the skills needed to be a trainee solicitor as I embark on the GDL and the LPC. The level of the work was hard enough that we were challenged but not so difficult that I felt overwhelmed so I think the scheme was a good way of experiencing at least some of the elements of a trainee's work day.

Very well structured. We were given a timetable a few weeks before our start date and then given a more detailed on in our 'survival packs'. Lots of activities were planned for us which kept us busy when combined with the work from our supervisors/trainee buddies and our group presentation preparation.

The office environment was very friendly, with everyone being very positive about the firm and enthusiastic about the work carried out. The open door policy meant that it wasn't too difficult to approach associates/senior associates/partners with questions. The trainees were particularly friendly and happy to sit down and chat/offer advice.

We had appraisals with our seat supervisors at the end of each of the weeks of the scheme. While it was difficult to make comments about 4/5 days of work, this process did mean that we were given feedback on our performance. I was able to use the feedback from my first supervisor constructively to inform my performance during the second week.

It's difficult to know how different life as a trainee would be but I think that the firm did a good job of introducing us to the main elements of a trainee's workday. Obviously our working hours were not as long as a trainee's would, and we wouldn't have been able to take part in certain tasks, but in general I think the scheme was a good introduction. I also think that individual departments did a good job of providing a broad overview of the type of work a trainee might do.

As mentioned above, the scheme provided a good introduction to life at the firm. The office environment was very friendly and it felt like this was a good reflection of the firm's culture. In addition, the insight presentations prepared for us allowed us to gain an overview of the general work in most departments and practice areas. We also had a 'values themed' lunch in which the managing partner and partners discussed how the firm's values were reflected on a day-to-day basis.

I thoroughly enjoyed the scheme and it definitely cemented my desire to pursue a legal career in a City firm.

We were paid £275 per week, once the scheme was over.

As part of our group presentations we were encouraged to speak to as many people as possible around the firm. There was also a lunch with partners where we could ask questions and talk about the firm's culture. More informally, there were many opportunities to chat to trainees about their roles.

We had many social events organised for us throughout the two weeks. These included welcome drinks on the first day, a trip to Bounce and a cocktail-making class followed by a three course dinner. These events were very enjoyable and a good opportunity to meet trainees. We were also invited to attend the firm's summer party as it took place on the penultimate day of the scheme.

There could have been more information about activities organised by the firm. Some people did participate in sporting events and I was able to attend the firm's pro-bono clinic, which was a fantastic experience. Unfortunately the firm couldn't accommodate all of the vacation schemers at the pro-bono clinic but it was a great experience and it seemed a shame that not everyone got to benefit from it.

Definitely.