Vacation Scheme Intern Review

When deciding whether to apply for a particular firm, having the chance to spend some time getting to know the people and the culture is of significant importance. The Vacation Scheme at Simmons and Simmons LLP was a fantastic opportunity to experience life at a top level city law firm. What I really enjoyed was the combination between networking opportunities and work within the department I was sat in.

The work, I was given by associates and trainee solicitors was interesting and challenging. I was given the opportunity to ask questions and it was always explained to me why this particular task or piece of work matters, what is the bigger picture and how my contribution assists in the process. This made me feel valuable and appreciated.

Despite joining the firm around Christmas( I was expecting everyone to be really busy), I was supported by my trainee buddy and my supervisor the whole time. Everyone I came in contact with was helpful and attentive. I was given guidance when asked to complete a task but was also made feel responsible for its completion and encouraged to come up with ideas.

With regards to the information received I should say-invaluable! I am interested in financial services and was lucky enough to get my first preference-namely to seat with the Financial Services team. My supervisor took the time to explain and discuss some major regulatory developments. My understanding was further enhanced through research tasks and the opportunity to attend a client meeting.

I really enjoyed the variety of events organized by the Graduate Recruitment team. I felt those were well balanced against time spent in the department. Although the placement was a week long, I got to attend different networking events and learn a lot about the different sectors and departments within the firm.

The culture of Simmons and Simmons LLP has always attracted me probably almost as much as the high quality work. People are always helpful and will readily answer questions about the firm and the work. It felt like a great place to work in- high performance culture combined with enthusiasm and positive attitude.

There was a great welcome session which provided us with almost all of the information we would need for our week with the firm but what impressed me the most was the time both trainee solicitors and associates took to get to know me and give me insights into the type of work the department usually does, how this work fits in the bigger picture(current commercial developments), what is the importance for the firm`s clients. This has really assisted me in developing a better understanding of commercial law and its implications.

The work I was given was challenging and interesting- It felt like those are going to be the type of tasks I will be given as a trainee. The environment is collegiate and dynamic at the same time. The events organized during the scheme included various networking events which gave me the opportunity to communicate with people from all levels, some who trained at the firm and some who joined the firm at different stages of their professional development. This gave me a good opportunity to experience life at the firm.

I recently realized how important the working environment is when working long hours under pressure. I don`t think people care too much about this aspect of their future career at university. the firm`s culture is one of its best selling points. In a top law firm, you do expect the clients to be high profile and the work demanding. Its though increasingly important that this is combined with a collegiate environment.

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We were paid on the last day of the vacation scheme. £300 was in my opinion a really reasonable amount.

Partner Networking Brunch Speed Networking (4 different departments has representatives) Welcome drinks Farewell Dinner Ice Skating Event

There were networking opportunities every day. I got to meet people from almost every department and question them on their experience and career motivation. There is not just one type of person, who would succeed and enjoy Simmons and Simmons LLP. Instead, people from different background come together and learn to work successfully. I got a lot of information on how to choose the seat you qualify in.

The firm encourages a range of different initiatives and there are plenty of opportunities to join sports teams. Trainees were positive about their options for extracurricular activities.

Absolutely! For everyone who is looking to work on some challenging and interesting tasks within a great environment and learn more about the specific way in which Simmons and Simmons have restructured themselves, the vacation placements are a truly great experience.