Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed the two weeks on the scheme and had an amazing time. There were so many opportunities to get a real feel for the work and culture of the firm, and meet a range of people from all levels. The work was interesting and everyone took time out to help and explain things. There was a good mix of office work and social activities, which really helped the group get along and made the experience more enjoyable.

I felt very valued as everyone I met on the scheme was really nice and welcoming. The work that I was given on the scheme was interesting and made me feel like I was making a valid contribution. For example, I got to do work for real on-going transactions and so felt that the work I was doing was valued, and after completing the tasks my supervisor and trainees also expressed their appreciation. I wasn't treated a being 'just a Vacation schemer' as everyone I came across was willing to take time out to talk to me and explain things, and how what I was doing fit into the work they were doing.

There was a lot of guidance/ support throughout the scheme and we were provided with support before we had even started the scheme. Each vacation scheme student was assigned a trainee buddy before the scheme who we met with beforehand to discuss any questions or concerns. My buddy also met me during the scheme to see how things were going and if there was anything I wanted to discuss. During the scheme we were also assigned a supervisor and trainee buddy from each of the two practice areas we were in for the two weeks. I felt that there was a lot of support as all of them were there to provide support and guidance. The paralegals in the practice areas I was in were also really friendly, took time out to get me involved and answer my questions despite being super busy!

The scheme helped me develop and improve a number of skills, for example through drafting legal documents and understanding the various steps was incredibly useful. This will be helpful for the rest of my degree, especially due to some of the modules I have chosen. Additionally, the knowledge I gained of the specific practice areas I sat in will be invaluable in helping me decide what type of work I enjoyed, whist making better- informed decisions about the seats I would like to pursue on my training contract. The opportunity to develop skills such as attention to detail, and teamwork etc. will also be useful beyond my degree, particularly in the workplace where such skills are vital.

This scheme is the best-structured scheme that I have done, as everything was so seamlessly organised. The entire two-week programme had a good balance and included a range of social activities, networking opportunities, and time in the practice areas. The programme also highlighted how valued each of the vacation scheme students were with the investment the firm had made, especially with everyone's willingness to take time out and engage in the activities with us. The residential weekend in between was also great in helping everyone feel more comfortable for the second week, and really settle into the second practice area. There was something planned for the entire two weeks which meant that we really did get the most out of the scheme. For example, from breakfast sessions in the morning to work in the practice areas, to social or networking events in the evening.

The general atmosphere on the scheme was really engaging and open. Everyone was really open and made the effort to try and get to know us, even with the short time period we were there. The atmosphere also made you feel valued as you were with like-minded individuals, and didn't have to be a specific type of person to fit in. The other vacation schemers were also friendly and everyone got along really well with each other which was quite nice, as we became a small team. The atmosphere on the scheme I felt was reflective of Clifford Chance overall, its values, and what it is like to work there.

I think that Clifford Chance really did invest a lot in each of us throughout the whole two weeks. The scheme included a range of activities which helped us develop skills that were not only specific for a career in law, but also beyond. There were sessions on speaking and presenting with confidence, as well as sessions about maintaining our personal wellbeing. Clifford Chance does generally offer a lot of training and development opportunities within the firm which was evident during the two weeks. There were continuous activities and social events which was also a big investment from the firm in helping us to make the most of the scheme.

Sitting in two different practice areas, and networking with a range of people at the firm did help me to develop a deeper understanding of the work that each person is given, the expectations placed on them, and how valued their contribution was. I also gained a better understanding of the role of a trainee at Clifford Chance, which was very useful. The time spent in the practice areas was invaluable as it provided a great insight into the general culture of the firm and the work it does, which is what makes it a global commercial firm. The various talks and sessions with trainees, associates and partners were also really informative, and gave a better insight into all different practice areas. The sessions with external speakers were also great in improving our personal development.

The culture at the firm was evidently collaborative, and it was easy to see how each lawyer is working towards the same goal for the firm, which does create a good team ethic. The vacation scheme really pointed this out, especially as when I was in the practice areas the lawyers would walk into each others office to ask questions. Getting this experience was also important in helping me to understand the culture, how the firm works, and how each person and their contribution is valued at Clifford Chance. This has given me an idea of how I would fit into the firm, and whether it is the right thing for me. Additionally, the firm prides itself on diversity, which is evident throughout the firm and it is good reassurance that you can become a lawyer there regardless of your background etc. The talks and activities on the scheme also highlighted how there is a place for everyone at the firm, and that anybody can excel. The firm's culture is both friendly and ambitious, as I learnt through talking with trainees, associates and partners throughout the scheme. Activities such as the partner dinner were really helpful in this regard.

All the sessions, workshops and activities were really beneficial in helping me to understand what a career in law, particularly commercial law involved. The vacation scheme showed me the type of work that I would be doing and thus cemented my decision to pursue a career as a lawyer. The experience of the two practice areas was also useful in highlighting the type of seats I would like to have on my training contract. The scheme does provide the opportunity for you to experience working on large cross-jurisdictional deals, which is something I did see first-hand on the scheme because of the work I was involved in.

The firm offers a good salary for the scheme, and also provides a bursary for those in receipt of a Government grant.

There were networking opportunities almost every day throughout the two weeks, so definitely plenty of opportunity to talk to trainees, future trainees, paralegals, associates, and even partners! There were networking breakfast sessions, networking events where we could talk to people from all the different practice area groups, and partner dinners where we had the opportunity to talk to partners and ask them any questions we had specifically for them. There were also anonymous sessions where we could submit questions anonymously and have trainees answer them in one session, and an associate and partner in another session.

All of the networking and social activities were very well organised and structured. The socials were also quite varied which was nice to see as we got to try new activities as there was a great range, for example there was a networking session with a quiz and live music, an Escape Room activity, and a treasure hunt on the last day. The residential weekend on the vacation scheme was also amazing and very unique!

Yes, to an extent. There does seem to be the opportunity to get involved in a number of groups, particularly sports. There was also a talk about the firm's pro-bono work, and some of the vacation scheme students even had the opportunity to do FreeLaw pro-bono sessions.

I would recommend this Vacation scheme to everyone, not just a friend. It is a really great experience to have, and does give a good insight into the firm and work, especially as you are in the practice areas all day sometimes. The vacation scheme was overall a really good opportunity to see what life as a lawyer at a leading global commercial firm entails, and the highly interesting work that you would be undertaking. The scheme was incredibly well organised and fun where I had the opportunity to meet a range of great people, including my fellow vacation schemers! Clifford Chance encouraged us to make the decisions that were best for us personally. I learnt a lot on the scheme and would highly recommend it to everyone!