Vacation Scheme Review

The vacation scheme was genuinely fantastic and I feel privileged to have been involved in it. The opportunity to sit in two different practice areas but also the insight sessions into each practice area meant that we all received a well rounded experience. There were many opportunities to interact with people throughout the firm from pro bono, to a lunch with senior members of the firm. Everyone involved in the scheme worked hard to ensure we had the best possible experience.

Everyone at the firm was incredibly welcoming and the range of activities organised and the number of people throughout the firm who agreed to speak to us as vac schemers meant that we felt valued in terms of the time they invested in us. Importantly, the buddy programme and the trainee group as a whole were integral to creating a relaxed and positive environment.

I felt that I was given a great deal of support and guidance during the scheme which will be very useful going forward. This support and guidance was balanced with the need for me as a vac schemer to think independently about the tasks that I had been set and decide on the best approach. Deadlines and priorities were always communicated as well which was really useful.

I definitely learnt a lot during the scheme and also got the opportunity to put into practice some skills such as analytical skills which I had already started to develop, when doing work in my department. In terms of the information I received, the insight I received from my departments and from the insight sessions into each department that we received, really sharpened my understanding of the legal industry, as did the group presentation task as we had to consider the changing legal market and learn more about the ways in which the profession is changing.

There is simply nothing negative to say about the organisation/structuring of the scheme. The schedule was clear and meant that we were busy but not overwhelmed. The daily insight sessions meant that I felt as though I had a good balance between working in my department and useful group events as well as being able to catch up daily with the other vac schemers so that we felt more like a cohesive group. The socials were also fantastic. They were perfectly thought out in terms of allowing the group to interact and to give us all a chance to chat will trainees in a more informal environment.

The atmosphere during the scheme and just how friendly everybody was at the firm, is one of the main reasons why I would encourage people to apply. I didn't feel intimidated talking to anyone at the firm because they were so proactive in terms of putting me at ease. This was apparent from the first day to the last. I was never made to feel insignificant or in the way, and all my questions were not only answered but those at the firm encouraged me to meet as many people as possible of all levels and ask them questions.

As already stated I felt that the firm invested a lot of time in us and a huge amount of effort in terms of putting the scheme together. The group presentations allowed us to develop both teamwork and communication skills and the group feedback we received was beneficial as well in terms of personal development. Whenever I was set a task by my supervisor they always took the time to explain the purpose of it as well as the background and context. The feedback I received in my appraisals was also helpful in this respect.

Yes, even in a two week period I definitely feel like I gained a fuller and more realistic insight into the firm. The time I spent with trainees was particularly helpful in this respect, as this role is closest to us as vac schemers. I was given some typical trainee tasks in my departments in order to get a sense of what the role of a trainee entails day to day which was very useful. The practice area presentations also talked about the role of a trainee in particular which was incredibly beneficial.

The scheme was massively helpful in this respect. Over the two weeks I was introduced to a huge number of people, who all engaged with me and made me feel comfortable. There was a clear sense of a genuinely open and welcoming culture. We also spent time discussing important issues like diversity and the firm's values and I was impressed that so much emphasis was attached to these issues.

The content in terms of the presentations we received and the responses I got from members of the firm when asking questions certainly helped to reinforce my career ambitions.

Yes.

We had a dinner with senior members of the firm on the last day in which we were able to discuss our experiences. We also had welcome drinks on the first day which was a nice way to get everyone settled in. I was very much encouraged from day one to speak to as many people at the firm as possible and my buddies and supervisors made an effort to introduce me to the whole department which was massively useful in terms of meeting as many people as possible.

The socials were fantastic. Well organised and high quality events that everyone really enjoyed.

I was involved in an after work pro bono activity which the firm are involved in which was an opportunity I really enjoyed and not one I had expected to be given the opportunity to do prior to the vac scheme. I also found out about some of the sports teams that the firm has which I found particularly interesting. I got the sense that there was always a lot going on and that trainees are encouraged to take part in these activities.

Definitely, it was a fantastic experience that would benefit any of my friends interested in a career in law.