Vacation Scheme Review

The week was well planned and enjoyable. We had a good mix of work time and social events. The first day was designed for us to all meet each other, and the following days we were introduced to more people in the firm. It was a great way to understand the culture of the firm.

I was given a lot of week throughout the week, This included drafting contracts, legal research for clients and writing a blog for the firm's website. The work given was what the solicitors were actually working on, so it felt as though I was making a positive contribution to the department. Over the course of the week I was given more and more difficult tasks, which was great as it was challenging and a great way to learn. .

All of the members of the department were very friendly and happy to take time to explain things to me. You are assigned a supervisor and a trainee contact within your department, but everyone in the department (I was in construction) was happy to help. All members of the department were approachable and created a very nice and friendly working environment.

I have realised the mentality and skillset needed to be a solicitor in a commercial law firm and I know that I am suited to the role.

It was very well structured.

This is one of the best things about Walker Morris. Every employee was welcoming and it created a very friendly environment. I was able to gain an insight into the working culture of the firm and it is unique compared to other similar sized law firms. It is a very friendly, social and hard working law firm.

This week is designed as an extended interview so they really want to see whether you would be the right 'fit'. The company spent a lot of time and money on work and social events to see how the vacation schemers interact with others etc.

By the end of the week I could see what trainees would be doing day to day. I also understood how the training contract worked with there being six seats that last four months each. I understand that the roles are dynamic and different departments have competing demands. The training contract offers variety and lets the trainees develop professionally by being sat in with senior members of staff.

The company works hard to achieve the best results for their clients. This is very important. What is also important is that the employees feel valued. The employees I spoke to really have the trust to do the work, rather than being under surveillance. The culture was one of respecting employees and trusting them to do their work. This in turn makes the departments very friendly, social and comfortable to work in.

It would be a great place for a training contract. Whilst I was there it felt like a good 'fit'. If not, I have realised I would want to be in a similar firm, doing similar work.

£175 for the week.

There are various social events. Some are just with trainees, others are with solicitors, associates and partners from different departments.

They were good. The social on Wednesday night was a great way to meet the partners, trainees and talking outside of the working context.

There is a charity committee, football, netball and the trainees organise a ski trip. Also, the trainees were all very close and went out for drinks together regularly. It appeared to be very social.

Definitely, especially if you are interested in commercial law, in a very good firm outside of London.