Vacation Scheme Review

The vac scheme was genuinely really enjoyable - the firm made it clear that we were not 'competing' with each other for a TC and I think this was reflected in how friendly everyone was. The socials were so much fun (Escape Rooms and Flight Club) and it was great to see everyone get really involved (even the current trainees joined!) At the end of the day it is the people you meet who make the experience - we all went out for drinks after our TC interviews which is something I would never have expected!

I definitely felt valued during my time at HL - I was surprised at how willing the Partners were to answer any questions I had and generally ask how I was getting on. Even those who I wasn't sat with would pop their head round and see how I was doing. The three partners I sat with all found time to go for a coffee with me during my vac scheme, even though they definitely had lots more important things to do!

I received a really high level of support over the vac scheme. My three supervisors were great as each one would explain the background to a call/meeting, and then set aside time to go through my completed work. I think this made me realise that they wanted to help me improve, and that this wasn't a case of just 'surviving' the three weeks.

I think the information was really useful - we were given workshops in Corporate, Finance and Advocacy skills, all of which introduced me to areas I had previously struggled to understand/not come across. One of the presentations was given by Chris Stoakes and so I definitely know a lot more about finance now!

The structure was truly seamless - we all received a three-page spread on our first day of our individual timetable, which was crammed with social events, talks, workshops and Partner lunches. This came in handy when I was sat in a department, as it enabled me to be set work which I had a realistic chance of completing within the available time. Having said this, it definitely wasn't 'too' structured, in that I had enough time to immerse myself in the department and achieve some real work.

The atmosphere at the firm was lovely - I really didn't expect to enter such a warm and friendly environment at a top law firm. This was something which I found throughout the entire firm - whether it was the PA helping me with my printing or the Partner interviewing me for the TC. I was also lucky in that I was at the firm during Pride week, which enabled me to attend and experience various events; the turnout and support was incredible, and made me feel at home.

The firm did place a lot of time in me for personal training - each supervisor would set aside time to go through my work, and explain how I could improve. The workshops were also of great use - for the Finance workshop, a Partner plus four associates spent two hours with us, which showed the firm's really was committed to developing our knowledge.

Three weeks is a very short amount of time to imagine working their in a full time role, but the firm definitely did their best through networking with trainees and speaking with our Trainee Buddy.

I think three weeks at a firm is a good length to really understand the culture - being able to sit in three different departments also enabled me to see whether that culture differed between departments. I was involved with the Pride Network whilst I was there, and just generally speaking to trainees was a great way of getting behind the face of the firm.

I was always very set on a career in commercial law before this vacation scheme, but it definitely helped in solidifying that desire further. The firm was great at giving us a mix of seats over the vac scheme (I was sat in Insurance, Restricting and Competition & Government Regulatory, so three very different departments!) and so it has helped in working out where my strengths and interests lie.

Very happy with the amount I was paid. We had a Partner lunch every Friday and a couple of the trainees took me for lunch at Byron Burger/Carluccio's on various occasions which was lovely!

Really great use of networking events - we each had a Trainee Buddy, who were all invited to the social events we had planned. The Partner lunches were great, as was the end-of-scheme dinner. The Insurance team go for lunch together everyday, which was lovely to be a part of.

The social events were both so much fun! Everyone got really involved which made it work so well. We also had a networking drinks on the 12th floor balcony overlooking St. Paul's on a sunny evening, which I definitely cannot fault!

We were given a list of societies at the firm which employees could attend, such as football and choir. My supervisor in week 2 was also running for the firm at a London run hosted by an investment banking client.

100%. Really rewarding experience whilst also incredibly enjoyable. I would recommend to anyone who wants to work in a friendly environment at one of the top law firms in the City.