Summer Vacation Scheme Review

Great experience and a good way to see how a law firm works. I really enjoyed the variety of work but was a little stressed at times as it's always in the back of your mind that this is an extended interview. Loved working with everyone as they were really nice.

Everyone smiles and asks how you're doing. People take a real interest in not just how you're enjoying the scheme but your background, how you got here and generally what interest you. They interested in your goals ans give you meaningful work. You work on actual matters doing research, none of the tasks are invented for you.

We had regular presentations to introduce us to other departments in the firm. Our supervisors gave us feedback and when I was given a task the person briefing me would explain exactly what they needed from me but also the reason for doing the task, giving me an idea of how it fitted in. People would also explain concepts that I'd need for my work and would be happy for check my understanding. HR were great throughout and you could always talk to one of them.

The skills of asking for work without bothering people, balancing matters and generally judging how long a task will take will be helpful in any career but especially as a trainee. The information is also useful because even if I don't work in those departments I would need to know what they do so that I could go to the right people for help on matters that extend beyond my area of law.

We had a timetable and scheduled socials which was great as it meant we could plan our time and ensure we had enough work. Having a supervisor and buddy also helped as they had different perspectives and both do different levels of work. The socials were nice as it gave us a chance to meet trainees and get to know more about the firm.

Everyone was really friendly and welcoming. Doors were always opened and it felt like there was someone you could always ask. It could be a little stressful in places when there were tight deadlines but even so most of the time it was a great atmosphere and really showed off the firm's friendly culture.

Time was set aside throughout the weeks for everyone from trainees to partners to come speak to us about their work giving me a better insight into Taylor Wessing's structure and how teams work together. People didn't if I had a question and I was invited to meetings and training showing how much the firm wanted to invest in us.

We were treated like trainees and you could easily see the expectation on hours and quality of work. PI think the scheme has really helped as each department has been keen to speak not just about the work they do but also what a trainee does so I better understand the role and how it fits into the firm as a whole.

By being sat in an office with a member of TW I really got a feel for how everyone interacts and the real open culture. This was also evident in the trainee's experience and the way I was treated throughout the scheme. TW advertises a friendly and open culture and this scheme lived up to this and showed that the culture exists in all parts of the firm.

The scheme gave a real insight into the life as a trainee at a mid-size law firm in London and showed me that I definitely want to pursue this career path. I know now that I like the type of work, the culture and just generally the firm itself. If I don't get to pursue a career here I would like to do so at a similar firm.

I was paid for the two weeks.

Everyone who presented a focus on session for their department encouraged us to contact them by email if we had any questions. We also had a group exercise which encouraged us to reach out to people in different positions in the firm. There were also invites to drinks and department meetings.

There were welcome drinks on the first night with trainees and members of the grad recruitment panel on the terrace on the 9th floor with great views. It was a nice way to get to know the other people on the scheme as well as members of the firm. The first social outside the firm was at the Flight Club which was great fun and had great food. I would highly recommend it. The evening was a nice bit of team building and mingling. We also went for a lovely meal at Caravan City where the food was great and it was nice to hear about the trainees' experiences.

Not so much. There were department emails about training and some notices placed on the online noticeboard but this wasn't really pushed and I don't really know where I'd find this out other than word of mouth.

If they're interested in this sort of firm generally or even just being a solicitor I think it's a great way to find out more whilst building your skills and adding to your CV. This scheme will confirm if this is what you want to do and if this is the firm for you.