Vacation Scheme Student Review

Overall, the vacation scheme was really enjoyable, and more friendly and relaxed than I had anticipated. Everyone I met from the firm was extremely welcoming and really wanted to see us all do well.

During the induction week we had talks from various senior members of the firm, including the global co-chair, so it was really nice to see that they were invested in us enough to take time out of their schedules. Equally, various practice group heads took the time to deliver talks to us every morning during the two weeks we had in our work experience placements. In the departments, I generally felt very welcomed and valued by the teams, who took the time to ensure that I had the best experience possible.

There was excellent support provided throughout the scheme. As well as the graduate recruitment team, we could turn to our trainee buddies (or any other trainees) for help, as well as our supervisors and members of our department. Everyone was very friendly and keen to offer their support.

The vacation scheme offered an unparalleled insight in to working life at a large global law firm. This will be extremely valuable to me as I pursue my career as a lawyer in this field, and was also very helpful in developing my understanding of the practice areas I might be interested in selecting as a trainee.

The scheme was very well structured, and comprised of a week long induction week at the London office, followed by two weeks work experience in two departments in the office to which we had applied. The induction week was a good way to meet vac schemers and trainees from across the UK offices, and the week long stints in each department were sufficient time to get a real insight in to the work of the respective teams. Social activities were built in to the first week, but we didn't have many formally arranged activities during the second and third week.

The general atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly, and I got the impression that the firm was generally willing you to do well.

During our induction week we had several "professional skills training" sessions, which focused on things like presentation skills. These were quite basic but were helpful in preparing us for the assessed presentation we had in the second and third weeks. We also had a number of educational and interactive sessions with different teams from the firm, such as a Responsible Insight day and Diversity and Inclusion talks.

Spending time in two departments was a great way to get a better understanding of what day to day life is like at the firm, and the nature of the work undertaken in different practice areas. We generally worked conventional hours (9-5/6).

Great opportunity to get a better understanding of the culture as we met a large number of people from the firm across various offices.

The scheme definitely helped me to confirm that I want to pursue a career in law.

I was paid £275 a week (regional rate)

There were many opportunities to meet people from across the firm - there were a number of drinks events, dinners, and receptions.

During the induction week there was a networking dinner and a drinks reception. During the second and third weeks the trainees arranged for us to go for drinks and dinner, and there was also a drinks reception with our supervisors.

There were a number of really interesting talks about the pro bono work and campaigning opportunities. Being involved in activities outside of work seems to be strongly encouraged and highly valued at DLA.

I would definitely recommend this placement to anyone considering a career in law.