Spring Vacation Scheme Review

The scheme was really well organised with different presentations, workshops and panel sessions that nicely broke up your work days. We were warmly welcomed by graduate recruitment on our first day and then came to our department on our second day. The work I got to do ranged widely, and I had an incredible amount of autonomy in sourcing work beyond my assigned supervisors.

All of my work providers took the time to explain to me the background of the piece of work I was given. Some took me out for coffee to give me feedback. Everyone expressed appreciation for the work that I did.

We were given formal training in presentation and IT. For each individual piece of work, it was always ok for me to come back to the work providers or other trainees for help and clarification when I needed, although it was certainly preferable that I had put in some thoughts first.

The vacation scheme did not really focus on developing skills but rather on gaining an insight to the work inside a law firm.

It was really well structured. There were enough presentations, workshops, panel discussions during the day to keep me busy but not too much so that my work at the department was not impeded.

Everyone was supportive and friendly. Graduate recruitment was particularly helpful and encouraging. They told us at the beginning not to see the scheme as a competition and used it to evaluate the firm.

We got training in presentation skill. We also had the chance to have lunch with various people at the firm, including the Management Committee.

I got to sit with associates and got to take on real work. I was also assigned a trainee buddy in each seat, who was really helpful and honest in telling me about his work.

I got to speak to different people and attended a talk on diversity and inclusion, and another on pro bono activities. Everyone was open. I was able to chat to partners about their work.

I enjoy the scheme very much and I definitely want to pursue a career in commercial law.