First Step Scheme Review

I found the vacation scheme a very insightful and in depth experience, which is very hard to gain as a first year law student. The timetable allowed us to spend a considerable amount of time in the office to get a real insight to what life as a trainee was like.

I felt very welcome at Norton Rose Fulbright, the oppurtunity to be paired with a trainee buddy allowed me to voice any concerns I had and to chat about what I had been up to in the day. Trainees were also keen to grab a coffee and talk about there experiences.

I gained a lot of support during the scheme, with my supervisor involving me in every part of his work; from phonecalls and meetings to going over contract modifications. Other partners were also keen to get me involved, with one taking me to court to watch a case in action with a trainee.

The skills I developed were invaluable in my future applications to the firm, as I had a strong understanding and knowledge of the practice areas and culture. We also had a number of workshops, such as how to write a strong application in the future, which will definitely assist me in my future career.

My favourite thing about the scheme was its focus on getting you into an office and working alogside a Partner. The scheme wasn't necessarily structured in that it had you undertaking workshops on a daily basis, but in a more real sense; helping you to better understand the daily life of a trainee.

The general atmosphere during my insight was very friendly. I felt comfortable to meet with Partners in different areas of the firm to discuss specific interests. The extra support provided by trainees and the Graduate Recruitment team made me feel like I was part of the firm, rather than an outsider coming in.

The firm invested into my development through providing skills workshops and providing fantastic supervisors. This allowed me to learn more about points of say, contract law, I had never previously considered. The ability to visit other departments and to informally network with other areas allowed me to develop my interests and understanding of where I would like to qualify.

Due to the heavy focus on being in the office, especially for a first year scheme, I was provided a very valuable insight to the firm. The oppurtunity to trial the Trainee buddy scheme also gave me an insight into the support structures at the firm and how this may work in practice as a trainee.

Norton Rose Fulbright's culture became very apparent to me through the enthusiasm by everyone in the department to meet me, grab a coffee and discuss their work. The informal networking events organised by the firm also gave me an insight into the people who form the firm, helping me the gauge whether the firm was for me.

The content of the day was as close to a usual day of a trainee that I feel could be provided, and something that was extremely useful. By providing this realistic outlook, it has helped me to decide that I would like to pursue a career in law, particularly at Norton Rose Fulbright.

The pay was very reasonable for the first year scheme. It allowed me to travel and live comfortably for the entirity of the insight. I personally stayed with a relative, but I feel that if I had to pay for a hotel this would still be a very reasonable salary to live from.

Oppurtunities to network were largely provided through the informal networking events, such as our mini golf social. We were also held lunches on a daily basis, as well as our final leaving meal, so we could meet new employees at the firm; including trainees, associates and partners. This allowed me to extend my knowledge and understanding of the firm as a whole, particularly regarding its culture.