Vacation Placement Student Review

I found it extremely useful, as it allowed me to experience what it would be like to be a trainee at the firm and get an idea of the sort of work I would be doing. I learnt a lot about every department in the office and got an insight into the work that each team does. Even though you can read about the different sectors online, finding out about the transactions tasks that different teams are involved in in person from the actual team members is very valuable and allows you to gain a better understanding.

I quickly felt like a valued member of my team, especially as I go to know my colleagues more personally, their roles and the work that the team was involved in. Even though time flew by, I felt like I had been a member of the team for months and I am genuinely sad to be leaving, as I have really enjoyed the work that I have been doing and have gotten to know many people throughout different departments in the office.

All of my tasks were clearly explained to me and I did not feel worries about approaching people to ask questions. I also set objectives with my supervisor on my first day, which helped me to keep track of what I wanted to achieve during my time at the firm. I also felt welcome to ask any questions that I wanted about the department, the firm, the transactions and the law and I learnt a huge amount of practical skills and information that I had not learnt at university.

I feel much more confident in working towards finishing my degree and also very motivated, as I now have a better idea of what to expect when I begin working. Prior to doing my placement I did not know what it would be like to work for an global commercial law firm or what sort of work I would be doing. However, now I know what I am working towards. I have also improved my research skills, attention to detail, confidence and initiative, all of which I think will help me in completing my studies and becoming a solicitor.

It was very well structured. The first day there was an induction for all of the students from all of the Scottish offices together, then on the second day we all received inductions at our specific offices. There were also various events that were organised and the tasks given were clear and allowed me to also have the responsibility of organising my time for myself. Any events that were organised, such as practice group presentations, also appeared in my email calendar once I had accepted them and this also helped to keep me organised with what I was doing.

The atmosphere at the office was genuinely so friendly. Every person I spoke to was very down to earth and approachable. As the departments were quite small it allowed everyone to get to know each other really well and this created a really friendly atmosphere and I felt that I was able to get to know and become friends with many of my colleagues.

Both my supervisor and my buddy always took time to sit down with me and go over any tasks that I had done and answer any of my questions and suggest where I could improve. I learnt a lot about property law in practice and the stages of transactions and large scale developments. I also learnt to read and understand title deeds and the sorts of issues that clients and landlords would want to be notified about. I was also able to go along to an Oil and Gas training session, which I found very useful.

During my placement I was able to do some work that I would be doing as a trainee. By also having to manage my time and prioritise my tasks I was able to experience what it would be like to be trainee. Also witnessing what other members of my team were doing allowed me to get an idea as to what each persons role requires and the sort of tasks that each person deals with. Each team also did presentations on the sort of work that they do which I found very useful and it allowed me to gain an insight into the work that each team does.

By being a member of the team and contributing to team meetings and having lunch with my colleagues I was really able to experience the values of the firm. Also through the different events I was able to see how well everyone knows each other, which creates a really friendly atmosphere and connected culture.

The work that I did allowed me to gain an insight into the work that commercial property lawyers do. I really enjoyed it and it was really different to studying law at university. I found it really interesting, however I am still very open minded as to the career path that I want to take.

Yes, the networking events allowed me to meet people that I may not have otherwise met.

Everyone was really friendly and I felt welcome to ask any questions. The events allowed me to get to know people, who I could then later chat to over the course of my placement. There was also a networking event just with the trainees, where I got the chance to chat with them and become friends with all of them.

There are often charity events and fundraising events that the staff can get involved in.

Yes.