Spring scheme insight Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the scheme. There was not only opportunity to socialise but the work was also enjoyable as I was kept busy and challenged. My trainee worked hard to ensure that I was constantly engaged and enjoying the work, as well as learning. I wish the scheme could have been longer as it was so enjoyable.

The feeling of community was strong at the firm and I was welcomed by every person that I met. The trainees were helpful, but not too formal and did not expect too much which helped create a friendly and open atmosphere. The networking lunch with partners helped to meet more friendly people.

We received informative and detailed packs with information to help us feel sure about our timetable and be sure of information about the firm. We developed a strong relationship with the graduate team before embarking on work in our departments which helped me to feel secure and supported.

The skills I developed during the process will doubtless be useful. The work I did was directly relevant and stimulating for my current studies in Law. However, I also greatly benefited from the personal development workshop as I learnt about self branding and awareness. This promoted me to self-reflect.

The insight was very well structured and it was ensured that we were always aware of what we were going to be doing next. We were kept updated with an online calendar with reminders before important events to make sure that everyone could be easily organised. We were informed of the timetable before arriving so we knew exactly what was happening. Work in the department was not so structured but this was a useful insight into the life of a real trainee.

The atmosphere was very open and friendly. This was helpful as a first year insight scheme as I was trying to learn as much as I could about the whole process of becoming a lawyer and the life of a lawyer and therefore I needed to be able to ask questions and receive honest answers. I felt I could ask questions about anything and I felt that the answers I received were aimed at helping me as opposed to just 'selling' the firm which was very useful.

The company invested a lot as we took part in a personal development and branding workshop. This gave us the skills to self-reflect and be active in our own self development. However, the ample opportunities we were given to network and learn about different aspects of the firm and application process were very useful for self development as I could think more deeply about what I want from my career.

I would have ideally liked to spend more time with associates to understand life as an associate at a law firm but as I was on a first year scheme I understand the relevance of having most contact with trainees. The trainees were very useful to show me what a real full time job is like as they allowed me to help their real work tasks and talked me through their daily work as well as answering all of my questions.

I understood the company culture greatly. This was achieved in a number of ways, such as a tour of the law firm and also the networking lunch. This allowed me to get a feel for the company culture as a whole but speaking to the employees also helped me to understand this in more depth. The talk from one of the employees on the company culture was incredibly useful for this.

It was very valuable as I was able to learn about the application process but I also gained an insight into a few departments. I only worked in one department but the firm purposely arranged a networking lunch with a trainee from another department. Social events also allowed me to talk to other people on the placement and other trainees about various departments which was very useful.

I was paid £120 for 2 days work. This was valuable as we were not reimbursed for travel.

There were social events, one of which was with other trainees. This was useful to talk to them in an informal setting. The networking lunch allowed me to meet associates and trainees from other departments which was also very useful for gaining an insight into the work and culture of other departments. Overall I spoke to many employees.

They were enjoyable and informative.

A found out a little about the social aspects of each department. I asked about this specifically but also the graduate team were useful in showing that there were lots of events. They spoke about the different events. The trainees were also very useful for discussing out of work opportunities and we could hear their stories and find out about what they had done.

I would thoroughly recommend the scheme. I had a brilliant time and also learnt a lot. I felt that in the two days we were kept very busy and engaged and given a valuable insight in to the firm. I met some friends who I will stay in touch with and hopefully see in my career in the future. The scheme was well organised and run, and everyone I met was friendly and open. I constantly had the opportunity to ask questions.