Winter Vacation Scheme Student Review

The vacation scheme was great because it we got to experience such a wide range of things and meet many people. There was a good mix of work, socials, networking, and skills building. It was hard work, but you get a lot out of it and the week flies by.

Even though the vacation scheme was only a week, we were treated as if we were new joiners and were made to feel that we have a place at the firm. I could definitely felt that the firm and the graduate recruitment team invest a lot into the vacation scheme students.

Graduate recruitment was always around to answer any questions and make sure we were getting along well in our teams. My own team was constantly checking up on me as well, especially when I had to stay late. When you are given work, the task is explained to you well but you are welcome to ask questions and you are given feedback as well.

The scheme really developed my confidence with regards to interacting with clients and undertaking challenging work. I was given a lot of responsibility in my role, and although it was nerve-wracking at times, it pushed me to do a good job and tackle work that I didn't know how to do.

It was very well structured and there was a good balance between training/networking and work. In the mornings, we had sessions run by the graduate recruitment team (usually 9:30-10:30) and then we were our desks for the rest of the day. We also had some sessions and coffee chats in the afternoon. I liked that we had the flexibility to manage our time whilst going to lots of events.

Everybody was eager to meet us, and true to the firm's reputation, everybody I met was friendly and welcoming. Also, because of the lead up to Christmas, there was a lot of work but also a festive atmosphere. Everybody works hard, but people aren't afraid to be friends with their colleagues and have fun in the office.

They invested a lot of time and resources in the students. We didn't have any formal training sessions, but that was preferable because you learn a lot more on the job.

Sitting in an office with a senior associate gave me a better understanding of the realities as well as the challenges of the role.

Spending a week at the firm gives you a much better insight than just an open day or networking evening, because you get to see lawyers in their day to day roles. Attending meetings, seeing how people work with each other, the discussions they have, how the deal with clients etc. teaches you a lot about the firm.

I was already committed to a career in law, but the scheme just reinforced my conviction that I want to be an international commercial lawyer. I could see how lawyers in the London office worked with lawyers all across the world, and I am further motivated to work in a firm that has an extensive global network.

£450 for one week.

We were able to network with people at every stage in their career - future trainees, trainees, associates, and partners. That allowed us to get a really good insight into the culture of the firm at different levels. The socials were amazing as well. There were two planned socials for the scheme, but I was also invited to my team's Christmas drinks.

We had indicated our interest in various initiatives and activities prior to starting the vacation scheme, and the graduate recruitment team had set up meetings and coffee chats with the relevant people so we could get involved. Anything from choir to the Women's Network was open to you. There was an emphasis on pro bono as well.

Yes. A vacation scheme at a magic circle firm develops your personal skills in so many ways and is a crucial step in your career. You may get a TC offer at the end of it, but even if you don't or choose not to accept, the scheme is recognised and valued across the industry.