trainee Review

The 2 weeks have been amazing. From the Grad Rec team to the team I have been sitting with for the past 2 weeks, everyone has been extremely friendly and approachable. I have learnt a lot and have great insights into the type of work a trainee would do in the team I was sitting in.

Everyone made time to give me tasks and actually explained the background to the task before setting it. This meant key terms were explained to me which will be helpful in the future. The fact that everyone had time to provide feedback and thanked me for doing the work means I really felt valued.

There was so much guidance and support. If I did not understand a task that I was given, as everyone was so approachable and friendly, I felt comfortable asking them as many questions as I wanted. I was given feedback after each piece of work so in future I know the things to do and not to do.

Most of the tasks that I was given were trainee tasks. This means that I have gained an understanding into some trainee tasks so when I am a trainee, I will already recognize some of the work and have a degree of understanding. It is very useful to show how different studying law is compared to actually practicing law at a law firm.

We had talks and presentations almost daily. On the first day we were provided with breakfast which was a nice way to get to know the other vac schemers, coupled with an ice breaker. It was therefore structured extremely well, for example before we gave a presentation, we received advice on the best way to give a presentation.

The general atmosphere was very chilled. There was not a sense of competitiveness that you may get at other firms. Everyone was genuinely so kind, approachable and friendly that it meant the 2 weeks have flown by. The fact that all levels of seniority were approachable and had time for us shows that everyone is willing to help you and spend time with you for your own improvement.

Lots! The firm organized talks from talented speakers such as from WarChild, how to make a good presentation and from the graduate recruitment manager.

The tasks that I was set were trainee tasks which meant that I now have an understanding or what it is like to be a trainee. We were coming in at the same time as the employees meaning we got a sense of the lives of the employees. Also, networking with different employees meant we got a feel and understanding of the work they did and the extra curricular that was available.

A huge amount. There is a clear culture of everyone being so friendly and approachable, and being here for only 2 weeks, this has clearly come across. People I met in the coffee area offered to take my for lunch, not only to get to know me as a person but also to talk about the firm and the type of work they do. People do have time for you.

We were paid a weekly salary.

Yes, lots! We had several talks from people in different departments such as litigation and tax, and those people openly said for us to contact them if we had any other questions or wanted to meet them for coffee. Also, grad rec were extremely good at putting us in touch with people that we may want to talk to .

Great, we had 2 socials a week.

Yes, we were provided with Ipads which allowed us to access the intranet. On here, there were links to the activities that employees could get involved in, such as Netball, and information on the gym as well.

Yes, it's been a great experience and I cannot fault it. What has made it truly amazing is the kindness of everyone I have met and how they are willing to give up a bit of their time to make you feel welcome and explain things that you may not otherwise understand.