Vacation Scheme Participant Review

I very much enjoyed this insight- I found it to be well organised and gave a clear insight into what a career in commercial law entails. The scheme incorporated socials as well as talks put on by the firm. The socials acted as a great networking opportunity and provided an opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting.

I felt extremely valued during my time with Hogan Lovells. Everybody was extremely friendly and supportive providing encouraging feedback and ensuring that I was constantly challenged. I was tasked with responsibilities that I have not received at other firms, such as preparing for and attending court, drafting client letters and team memos etc. Receiving such tasks showed that I was valued and trusted to complete the work well.

I always felt well supported during my time at the firm. The lawyers who set me tasks would always take the necessary time when introducing the task to me to make sure that I fully understand what they were expecting from me and the most efficient way of producing it. In addition, I was provided with thorough and constructive feedback after completing my tasks, so I always felt that I learnt something valuable from every task which I was involved in.

The skills I developed on the vacation scheme were extremely useful. We had a presentation workshop which developed my skills in public speaking, which will be useful for assessments in my degree. The workshops were extremely useful and taught me everything from research methods, to financial terminology, to how to draw up a contract.

I found this insight to be very well structured. The booklet we received at the start of the scheme incorporated a thoroughly detailed timetable of talks and socials put on by the firm. The talks were very useful and gave a clear insight into a career at Hogan Lovells and also aided in strengthening my understanding of commercial law as well as the commercial sphere as a whole. Socials were very useful as they provided an opportunity to network with a number of individuals who worked at the firm.

There was a great general atmosphere! The vacation scheme students all bonded very quickly and organised social events outside of those organised by the firm. Everybody at the firm was very friendly and helpful, always having time to speak with me and there seemed to be a really positive vibe about the office even during very busy periods eg the day before attending court. It felt like a real team and not every person for themselves.

There was a strong focus on our personal development and training. The induction was very thorough and the feedback given on all of the completed tasks was also very constructive and geared towards helping me to learn from any errors which I'd made. Furthermore, there were regular meetings with all of my supervisors whilst at the firm to discuss my progress and highlight any points of improvements.

The insight greatly helped me understand what it would be like to have a full time job at the firm. I sat with two different supervisors, both worked at the firm. I engaged in their work and saw first hand what it was like to work at the firm. Moreover, I had the opportunity to speak to a number of trainees at the firm and ask them questions about the type of work they get involved in. The vacation scheme provided an accurate representation of the role of a trainee as we were given trainee tasks to complete.

Given that the vacation scheme was three weeks long, I was exposed to the culture of the firm across three different teams and each one demonstrated a supportive team environment. Simply speaking to the employees I learnt that they are a firm who invest in their people, and welcome diversity and enthusiasm in their employees. It was also clear the firm encourages a good work/life balance.

The content of the day was valuable in helping me decide my future career path. For one, sitting with a supervisor allowed me to see what lawyers at the firm do on a daily basis first hand. Moreover, before the scheme started I was given the opportunity to submit two seat preferences for the scheme.

I was paid a generous salary for my time spent at Hogan Lovells.

There were multiple opportunities for networking throughout the whole three weeks, and what was particularly memorable was the regular contact with partners, all of whom were keen to take time out of their busy days to talk about our aspirations and what the firm can offer us. These opportunities took a variety of forms: dinners, drinks events, escape the room evenings, it was a fantastically varied mix!

They were very enjoyable and a nice way to get to know the employees and learn more abut the profession.

Yes, the firm offers pro bono activities and clubs.

Absolutely! If you're interested in getting to know commercial law and want to experience a varied and interesting three weeks at a top law firm, Hogan Lovells is the place for you!