Vacation Placement Student Review

I have really enjoyed the placement - I have been able to complete work on real cases which was amazing. The ability to speak to people from all levels of the firm enables you to get a much deeper understanding into the profession, but more so about the firm itself.

I have felt valued throughout the scheme.

I think the amount of guidance is dependent upon how much you need. When given tasks throughout the week, I was given a brief and then expected to give it my best shot. If there was any time when I needed help or was unsure, I felt comfortable enough to ask and then get any guidance. I feel like this has benefited me by giving me the confidence to carry out tasks.

The work that I have carried out has had a connection, but a small one, to the things I am doing in my law degree. However, I do believe that this experience has benefitted me hugely in preparation for being a trainee.

The insight has been well structured as HR have struck a good balance between the amount of set tasks, versus the amount of time you have in your department. The time in the department has been very useful as you really do get to see how a firm operates in practice.

I cannot fault the atmosphere whilst being on the vacation scheme. Every employee of the firm has been extremely helpful (no matter what their position) and willing to talk to me about their experience. The other people on the vacation scheme have also been really friendly. In my department there has been a really enjoyable atmosphere.

Every task that we were given was in essence developing skills that we need for the workplace. I was given feedback on a task and this has allowed me to improve in the future.

Throughout the scheme, we have been doing similar work to a trainee. This has allowed me to understand what working here full time would be like. In addition, on one of the days we have a full 9-5:30 day in the department, so this gave us a true insight.

During the scheme we have had lots of time in the department and this has given a realistic representation of the firm. In addition, there was a social in Leeds where we got to interact outside of the office. This again allowed us to get an understanding of the culture.

This has been extremely valuable in helping me make a decision about my future career. Having a full week doing similar work to what a trainee would be doing has confirmed to me that this is the career path that I would want to pursue.

We received £175 for the week.

We had around three to four opportunities throughout the week to socialise with trainees and this was useful to get an understanding of the other departments, rather than just your own. Personally, whilst in my department, the employees I approached for a chat were willing to speak to me about their experiences which was nice.

The formal social on Wednesday was extremely fun as we went for drinks in Leeds and were able to socialise with everyone.

I would definitely recommend this opportunity - I have been able to learn so much about the firm and the legal industry on the whole.