Student Review

I greatly enjoyed the insight scheme. It was great to be part of the firm for a week and see how the different teams collaborate in the open plan space. I thoroughly enjoyed the specific tasks I was given and

My first impression of the firm was that it was very welcoming. In particular, I felt extremely valued by my team. The work I was given was work that contributed to the overall projects that the team was working on which made me feel like my efforts were worthwhile. Colleagues also took time out of their busy schedules to take me out for coffee and lunch and tell me more about the firm as well as asking me about my impressions and career plans.

I had a supervisor (and when my supervisor was away on the last day he ensured I had someone else to go to with questions) who gave me tasks to work on and who helped me if I was stuck at any point. He gave me constructive feedback which was extremely helpful. I also had a buddy throughout the week who would give me tasks but also give me guidance as to how the team worked and his experience as a trainee. I therefore felt I received good guidance and support

The skills developed and information received enabled me to put into practice what I had learnt throughout my studies. I think they will also give me confidence when approaching a trainee role or similar in the future. Having worked in firms before however I would say that the week is probably particularly useful for those with limited office experience.

The insight was extremely well structured. We had several different training sessions and talks given by different members of the firm ranging from future trainees to the managing partner. We had good introductions to the training contract and the firm's training programme. The social was also a great way to get to know the other students and trainees better. Overall it was a great balance.

The general atmosphere during the insight was extremely positive. Because the 'sifting' of candidates had taken place before the placement there was no sense of competition amongst candidates which facilitated a greater focus on the work done within individual teams. The firm was extremely welcoming and open towards us which also helped the atmosphere be a positive one.

The firm offered us an insight into the training programme which also involved getting us to think about our personal brand. We devoted an hour to this and that felt like an investment in us. As mentioned above, the individual conversations with team members also made it feel like I was being invested in.

The insight definitely helped me understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm. I was invited to the various team meetings and conference calls that were ongoing. I was able to get a good overall picture of the firm, although i'm sure there would still be lots to learn from a full time role there. It also helped me work out what my living arrangements would need to be (from a practical perspective) if I worked there full time.

I already had some appreciation of the culture of the firm but the insight reinforced this in many ways. It was really helpful to understand the areas the firm is working on and the areas it is already excelling in. The firm's new office is already contributing to the culture and likely to influence this further so it was good to experience that.

It was very helpful as it confirmed that I do wish to follow this career path and specifically to work at S&S. The insight also allowed me to discover a slightly different area of law that I did not have practical experience in and confirmed that I really enjoy it.

I was paid for my week's work experience and the salary was proportionate to the time I took out to do the scheme and to the work I carried out while at the firm. In addition to this, we were provided lunch on several days which was very considerate and helpful.

There were many opportunities for networking and meeting other employees. We had a partner breakfast allowing us to ask questions to different partners, we were able to meet associates from different departments and we also had a trainee session and social so we could ask them all our questions.

The networking opportunities were well structured but also quite informal which was ideal as it meant we weren't too nervous to ask questions. I felt really valued that people were taking the time out to speak with us. The social opportunities (mostly focused on the thursday evening) were really great fun and a good way to chat to the trainees.

I found out about the pro-bono opportunities that trainees have been involved in. I also learned about the different sports teams/activities employees can get involved in including yoga and netball (of particular interest to me). I also learned about the cross-firm departmental meetings that enable employees from different firms to meet one another.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend. I thought it was really well structured with lots of helpful trainings. The work was interesting, I felt valued and a part of the firm for a week. I would particularly recommend it for those who have not experienced a law firm before.