Vacation Schemer Review

I found it a very enjoyable experience, particularly as it was my first exposure to the legal profession in practice. As with anything, there were some more and some less enjoyable moments, but overall I had a very good time. I learnt a lot about the firm, and about what it is like to work as a commercial solicitor more generally, which was very enjoyable.

The experience somewhat differed depending on which department I was sat in. During my first week, there were moments when I felt I was more of a nuisance to the people I was sitting with, as they were both very busy and weren't quite sure how to deal with me. Having said that though, I made an effort to meet other people in the same department which made me feel very welcome and valued. During my second week, I almost felt like an integral part of the team, and very much enjoyed myself and felt valued.

I had everything I needed and wanted to know before the start of the placement, and felt that even during it I had enough information about what was happening. If one wanted to find out more about the firm and the work of the people around them, one of course had to be proactive and ask, but that I believe is a good thing. Overall, I was very happy with the guidance and support I received during the placement.

As I took part in the placement in the Easter vacation preceding my final exams, I didn't necessarily find it too helpful academically, but I was not disappointing by that as I had been expecting it. Having said that, the insight into the legal profession I gained during the placement will definitely be helpful when I start the GDL and the LPC, as I will know what skills really are important.

I thought the structure of the vacation scheme was actually perfect. I found the morning talks very interesting and valuable, as well as the different special sessions we had. I was also quite happy with the fact that there weren't that many evening activities scheduled, as I had my exams to prepare for in the evenings. I thought the assessment day was also structured very well and went very smoothly.

As I have already said, I had a very good time, found the placement very useful and insightful. The one reason why I won't give full marks is that the experience really did vary quite considerably over time, and I wonder if some of the partners and associates could have been briefed slightly more comprehensively about how to treat the vacation schemers before the placement. However, overall a very enjoyable and interesting atmosphere.

As I mentioned previously, there were times when I felt my time could be spent better, as during certain periods there simply wasn’t anything for me to do, and I just had to pass time. Having said that, the overall experience was definitely one of personal development, and I learnt a lot during the two weeks. As I haven’t done any other vacation placements at other law firms, I cannot quite compare, but I did feel I was well looked after and that my personal development was of concern to the firm.

This was arguably the main purpose of the whole exercise, and I am pleased to say it met my expectations in all ways imaginable. For obvious reasons (most importantly the lack of a legal qualification on my side), the tasks I was given could hardly be described as the daily bread of a Stephenson Harwood solicitor, but the many conversations I had with people, and simply just being in the office building, gave me a very good idea of what it is like to work at SH. Additionally, the talks with people from different departments most mornings were very helpful and useful in this regard as well.

I suspect the exact practical meaning of the 'company culture' will depend to some extent on the department one works in - it is only natural that the atmosphere will be slightly different in, say, the dispute resolution and the corporate departments. Having said that, I do still feel I got considerable insight into the company culture.

Very much so. As much as I think I was already fairly set on becoming a commercial solicitor, the placement confirmed my thoughts on the matter as it helped me realise I actually really would enjoy such a career. Furthermore, spending time in two different departments, and speaking to different people, also helped me gain insight into what particular practice area I might want to qualify into in the future.

I do not feel qualified to comment on the amount of remuneration we received. It was not as much as other firms in the City pay, but it covered the vast majority of my expenses, and so I was fairly happy with that. The amount one gets for participating at a placement scheme is obviously not the main motivating factor, so I think as long it covers the costs associated with the scheme (so as not to deter potential applicants who might be able to afford paying for accommodation in London for two weeks), I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Absolutely, both formal and informal. As with so many other things, the more effort you made, the more you got out of it. There were enough opportunities to network with people which had been organised for us (particularly with current trainees), but it was also relatively easy to ask around and speak to people whose work was of interest to me. I was also taken on a visit to meet one of the firm's clients which I found very interesting.

I have already discussed some of the networking opportunities – I think the lunches and coffee breaks with current trainees were useful and good fun. The main social event we had – drinks and dinner with current trainees – was enjoyable. I was very grateful to the firm for paying for all this.

Not especially, to be honest. I don't seem to remember talking about this to anyone. It is well possible that there was a talk on this, but it didn't stick.

Definitely, without hesitation.