Vacation Schemer Review

I really enjoyed the Taylor Wessing Vacation Scheme. There were a lot of opportunities to meet different people from across the firm, as well as to get fully integrated into your two seats. It was very well organised, with a great balance of work and social events throughout the two weeks.

I found that everyone in the firm was extremely friendly and welcoming, which led to me feeling very valued. I was given true responsibility with the tasks I was set, as well as being taken very seriously when asking all my questions to different individuals throughout the firm. I was given constant feedback on all the tasks I was asked to perform which gave me the opportunity improve and enhanced my overall experience.

There was an excellent support system in place throughout the Vacation Scheme. This included my supervisors, my trainee buddies and graduate recruitment. However, every department was a great support network in itself and everyone was approachable and friendly. I experienced first hand the support network in place with regards to pro bono work, which I was able to participate in during my first week.

I learnt invaluable information and skills from my two weeks at Taylor Wessing. From seeking work from a variety of people, I was able to gain a good understanding of the work people do in my departments (Employment and Financial Services and Competition), as well as their various specialisms. I was able to sit in on client calls and to have the opportunity to draft client letters and memo's, which provided me a real insight into the role of a solicitor at Taylor Wessing.

The Vacation Scheme was impeccably well structured. Everyday included a very insightful focus session on a different area of law. These focus sessions allowed us to ask questions to different departments, and provided a good structure to each day. Most days, there was a social event organised, which provided a great opportunity to network after work.

Taylor Wessing's open and friendly culture was extremely evident throughout the two weeks of my Vacation Scheme. Everyone took the time to answer any of my questions and to have a conversation with me. I particularly enjoyed the open-door culture which was prevalent throughout all the departments within Taylor Wessing.

Before I even entered the office, I was made to feel part of the team as all of the Vacation Schemers were provided with an essential booklet which included the two-week timetable, profiles of all the students and important information on the presentation. My supervisor and fellow department members also invested a lot when providing me with a variety of different tasks to undertake throughout the scheme, in order to give me a detailed insight into what it is like to be a lawyer at Taylor Wessing.

I was made to feel a valued member of each department throughout my Vacation Scheme. I was given trainee-level tasks, as well as a lot of responsibly from day one. I felt fully integrated into the working environment at Taylor Wessing, especially when given the opportunity to attend the pro bono Blackfriars Settlement with fellow trainees.

I believe that Taylor Wessing has a strongly inclusive and supportive culture and I felt that I was very much part of this over the two weeks. This is not just within the departments I worked in, but also in reaching out and meeting up with individuals from other departments.

I felt the content of everyday was extremely well structured and informative. My insights into a range of different departments, both in focus sessions and in individual meetings, has helped me to reinforce my desire to become a lawyer, and particularly at Taylor Wessing.

There were lots of opportunities to network and meet different people in the firm. The Vacation Scheme had two main socials, which were a great opportunity to network with trainees. Moreover, there were other networking drinks and lunches, including the Pride drinks, which were also great opportunities to meet people in different roles at Taylor Wessing and to ask them any questions I had.

The networking opportunities and social events were extremely well organised. They provided me with a great chance to meet people and build relationships with individuals across the firm. Our two social events were great for getting to know my fellow Vacation Schemers.

I sought out every opportunity I could to find out about the other activities that employees can get involved in outside of work. I spoke to a number of people about their choir, their pro bono work and their diversity and inclusion initiatives. I was made aware of how extensive the opportunities are to get involved in extra activities outside of work, which I found particularly inspiring.

I would very much recommend the Vacation Scheme to a friend, because it was an excellent opportunity to find out more about life at Taylor Wessing and to build relationships with both individuals in the firm as well as my fellow Vacation Schemers.