Vacation Scheme Student Review

I found the experience very enjoyable. By actually performing tasks expected of a regular trainee, I was able to glean further insight into the responsibilities and work of a trainee. This helped clear up doubts and misconceptions, especially with regards to the actual quality of work given to trainees. Far from just photocopying and bundling, my experience revealed that trainees are entrusted with substantive tasks.

Although I was there for only two weeks, I felt fully integrated and part of the team by the end of the experience. With frequent interactions from various team members, I received work not only from my supervisor but also trainees and even associates. The research and tasks required of me were also in relation to actual matters currently in progress, which greatly contributed to the value derived from them.

Given that I was meant to emulate a trainee, the experience was not completely structured, with a minimal amount of hand-holding involved. However, support and guidance was available should I have needed it, with my supervisor and trainee buddy ready to assist with any queries. I feel this better simulates the expectations of an actual trainee, who is expected to problem solve independently unless an insurmountable obstacle presents itself.

At the heart of it, this experience broadened my viewpoint and gave me further insight into life as a trainee, ensuring I am equipped to gear my preparation and studies towards meeting the needs and challenges associated with the role. It has also greatly helped in developing my commercial awareness.

The events were well planned and sufficient prior notice was given for each event. We were also contacted prior to seat rotation on the second week to meet the new team and learn their locations, a move which greatly facilitated the smooth transitions we experienced. There were also well-timed feedback sessions.

It was generally welcoming and friendly, with everyone being quite accommodating to our needs. In particular, trainees were displaced by our presence but this was accommodated without complaint. Throughout the two weeks, representatives from the firm were friendly and ready to answer any queries we had. They were also sociable after hours.

Question is not entirely relevant, I am not sure there was room for training and development given the short time I spent there. However speaking to trainees has revealed that they receive regular training sessions and each had a training period and induction before entry into a new seat, which according to them was greatly helpful in acclimatising to their new seats.

It definitely allowed me to gain a clear insight into the tasks and responsibilities of a trainee. It solidified the idea that trainees were an integral part to the team, and that their contributions were valued and important. I also got a feel for the hours and realities of responsibility at a City law firm.

It greatly helped me cement my view of the firm as a welcoming and friendly place to work. The inclusive culture was highlighted by all firm representatives in their interactions with me. The experience also highlighted the cohesive nature of teamwork within and among the various departments. Senior firm members were also friendly and easy to talk to.

It was extremely helpful in that the experience has confirmed my desire to pursue this career path. It was not until I had the opportunity to actually experience work in a City law firm that I firmly decided on my career path, and this experience definitely cemented that decision for me.

We were well remunerated. However travel and accommodation expenses were not reimbursed, which was rather high for some participants.

There were partner drinks which gave us an opportunity to speak to and network with other members of the firm, and especially partners who we might not have had an opportunity to meet through other means. This allowed for a greater understanding of all members of the firms and their respective roles and responsibilities.

The networking events were a good opportunity to have our queries answered and to glean insight into the culture of the firm. The social events were generally well-planned and enjoyable, with many firm representatives in attendance to give us an opportunity to network and speak to a wide variety of members.

We were briefed early on about the various pro-bono events that Herbert Smith Freehills is supporting or conducting. There was also reference to the various networks that employees could join, such as the IRIS network and the Women Lawyers Network. Given the cordial nature of the firm, there are also ample opportunities for post-work social drinks.

I would definitely recommend this scheme highly to others. This is especially in light of the high chance of participants being picked up for an eventual training contract. The assessments for a training contract are not overly arduous, with two pieces of assessed written work over the two weeks, feedback from supervisors and a final interview. It was definitely an enriching experience and is highly recommended.