First Year Springboard Scheme Review

The Springboard Scheme was generally a really enjoyable experience; it provided an excellent insight into the firm and was an opportunity to learn a lot about a range of different practice areas. The social events were equally as fun and allowed us to get to know the culture of the firm in a more informal setting.

It was very apparent that the firm had put a lot of time and effort into developing an exciting and interesting programme. Throughout our time there we were continually approached with genuine questions as to which stage of our career we were at, as well as about us as people. This made me feel very welcome and included.

The partners, trainees and associates we met during our time at the firm were all very supportive and provided invaluable guidance as to how we should approach our future career decisions. This was also reflected by the graduate recruitment team; they were always on hand throughout the week to offer advice, even on the more trivial and administrative matters.

The Springboard Scheme is the most valuable insight into my future career that I have had to date. I was able to understand and experience how law firms operate as a whole, as well as learn what trainees and partners do on a daily basis. The skills of networking and presentation etc will be invaluable throughout the remainder of my degree and throughout the early stages of my career.

The structure of the insight was fantastic. The programme was busy but well planned and worked really well. The days were arranged into morning sessions, afternoon sessions and evening sessions, with lots of breaks and food in between. It was made sure that we were exposed to lawyers or a range of levels of seniority, as well as different practice areas within the firm. This was also achieved through a variety of formats, ranging from presentations to interactive activities to Q and A sessions.

Despite being quite tired due to the amount of information to take in and the shock of commuting to London, everyone seemed to be in high spirits and having an excellent time. The firm itself largely contributed to this, as everyone we spoke to was upbeat and positive, and keen to help or talk to us. The social activities also facilitated a great atmosphere - we were really able to get to know everyone on the scheme (other students and CC employees!) and as a result were able to form some really great relationships.

The culture of the firm, including its ethos, aims and values, was very clearly communicated to us - it was very apparent from attending talks and networking with trainees and partners etc that CC would be a brilliant place to work full time. However, because we weren't able to sit in any practice areas directly during our time there, it was difficult to fully appreciate what the work itself might be like.

Just from spending time at the firm and chatting to those who work there, the relaxed yet hardworking culture of the firm really shone through. This was also reiterated in social settings where the lawyers etc were equally as welcoming and friendly.

The insight gave us an overview of a wide range of practice areas, as well as to which skills/strengths were most applicable to each. It also allowed us to understand in more depth the process of career progression and going through the LPC/GDL etc which is not something any of us were fully aware of. This allowed us to make informed decisions about our future career paths.

At almost every spare moment when we weren't attending some sort of presentation or activity session, there were other employees for us to network with. Trainees, associates and partners were all present at every single breakfast, lunch and dinner event, as well as for drinks as part of the exciting schedule too.

Fantastic! There were so many opportunities to network, and to attend social events. Each of them was different, and this meant that as well as having a lot of fun, we were able to ask questions to a range of different people in a range of different environments, meaning there was always someone who could answer your question. This also meant that a variety of perspectives could be ascertained.

Many of the employees we spoke to were keen to tell us about the 'extra curricular' opportunities that they were involved in and how we could do the same with any of our interests if we were to join the firm. This ranged from pro bono work with a range of charities, to netball and a whole host of other sports.

This is one of the only proper insight schemes available for first year students, and it really does provide an excellent insight into the firm and corporate law as a whole. No matter how much reading you've done online as to what a career in this field might look like, there's nothing more insightful than spending time at a firm. As well as being informative, the social programme was fantastic, meaning you really do have a brilliant time and the opportunity to make lifelong friendships!