Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed my placement with the firm. The week was planned out for us in lots of detail so it was really easy to identify what work we could take on and what else was expected of us in terms of assessments and social events. I really looked forward to coming into the office every day.

Everone was extremely welcoming throughout. This ran through the firm from the reception to the partners. I was always included in any events in the department or firm wide events. The firm made you feel like you were genuinely part of it and not just here for a week-long vacation scheme.

After every bit of work which I completed, the person who set the work would always go through it with me to see what I did well and what I could have done better. This was useful for my learning and to see how the work I had done fit into the overall work which the department was doing.

We recieved a timetable of our week detailing what we were doing outside of our department. This made it really easy to see what work you could undertake within your department being mindful of other commitments such as assessments and talks with the trainees. We recieved regular email updates to inform us of what was going on within the firm.

Everyone was very welcoming and lovely to speak to. People genuinely wanted to help and answer any questions I had and were really looking forward to having us in the firm or their department for the week. This created a very friendly atmosphere and made me feel at ease.

I think we really got to experience what life would be like as a trainee solicitor including the type of work you would conduct and what is expected of you. We were informed of everything which was going on within the firm at the time we were there and were encouraged to get invovled with everything.

There is no better way to understand a firm and its culture than spending time with the firm. During the experience you are exposed to the firm in its everyday life and how it operates. This makes it really easy to understand the firm and whether you can see yourself working there.

It affirmed to me that I want to work in a commercial law firm as I really enjoyed my expereince with the firm. I was exposed to the type of work which I would be conducting upon commecning a training contract which was a useful insight. It was also a good opportunity to see how the firm operates and to compare this to other firms.

There were numerous social events which the vacation scheme students were all encouraged to attend. This included drinks with the trainees, paralegals and graduate partners as well as infromal training at lunch time. On the first day we also had lunch with our trainee buddy and supervisor which was a great introduction to the firm.

Yes, everyone who I spoke to had a differenxt experience and different things they had gotten invovled with. This included sports teams, charitable events and one off events such as skydiving or running a marathon. Photos of the firm partaking these events were displayed in the cafe area so it was funny to see some familiar faces.