Vacation Student Review

I really enjoyed the insight; throughout my two weeks I was able to really understand what lawyers at Taylor Wessing do on a daily basis. However, there were a few minor things - which I think pertain to my personal situation - that initially hindered my enjoyment of the scheme. A key issue was the fact that on my first week, I did not have a supervisor - this made it harder to integrate with the team and during my first few days - when I wasn't comfortable enough to ask more senior individuals for work - I wasn't sure who to go to when I hadn't been given a task. As I say, this was minor; if anything it was good practice (as it encouraged me to be incredibly proactive) so this is very light criticism.

I felt incredibly valued during my time at the firm; everyone in both offices (I sat in two seats) was incredibly friendly and approachable, no matter their seniority, and everyone took time out of their busy working days to explain the context behind the work I was completing for them.

I received the perfect amount of guidance and support; I was encouraged to go away and attempt the work by myself, but people in the office - from Trainees and Senior Associates - were always willing to support me with my work where I needed it.

I am hoping that the experience of working in a fast-paced working environment will assist me with my degree studies; working in a fast-paced environment has taught me how important it is to work efficiently; now at university I will spend less time overall on each piece of work without the quality of that work suffering (because I will now find the most efficient route). However, more importantly, the scheme improved my soft skills. As a result of having to proactively approach Partners and Senior Associates for work, I have become much more confident. The Group Presentation was also a valuable opportunity to improve my public speaking and presentation skills.

The insight was very well-structured, we had numerous 'Focus On:' sessions (45-90 minute long presentations given by lawyers from each practice area) throughout the two weeks, allowing us to develop a real understanding of the firm. These were our only timetabled sessions; however - outside of these sessions we were expected to complete our tasks and prepare for our presentations (which occurred on the final day), so there was always plenty to do. Furthermore, the social events were very well organised and structured, and allowed me to meet Trainees (during the social events after work) and Partners (during the Partner's Lunch on the final day) and other Vacation students who I wasn't able to work with on a daily basis.

As mentioned previously, the general atmosphere was incredibly friendly, non-competitive and supportive. As Vacation Students, we all supported each other where we could (i.e. the Group Presentation, which I thoroughly enjoyed) and everyone in the office - no matter how busy they were - was approachable.

I felt as though the firm invested heavily in me, with the firm's lawyers - no matter their seniority - making the effort to get to know us and explain the context behind the work they were giving me.

See above for my comment on the 'Focus On:' sessions. However, some of the 'Focus On:' sessions could have been better (45 minutes is not a long time to discuss, in detail, the intricacies and niches within a particular practice area).

While there were no explicit sessions which focused on this, throughout the two weeks - by working with lawyers - you get a real insight into the company's culture, which I found overwhelmingly positive and attractive.

I had already fixed upon a career as a solicitor. However, the experience I had on TW's Vacation Scheme has solidified my choice.

I was paid, however much of my reimbursement was spent on travelling to work. However, I knew that the real value in this Scheme was the experience, so I don't mind that.

Yes, the previously mentioned external social events and the Partner's Lunch were both valuable opportunities which allowed me to network.

Very enjoyable, a good chance to meet people I hadn't worked with and to really get to know Trainees and other Vacation Students.

I did, through the previously-mentioned social events and also pro-bono work (which I was lucky enough to be able to undertake at the firm).

I would, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience.