Vacation Scheme student Review

I really enjoyed the vacation scheme as it was the right balance of department work, meeting people across the firm, socials and assessments. I learnt so much and it was clear that everyone wanted you to get a sense of what it is like to train at the firm. We had “Focus On” sessions for every practice area and a session on the pro bono work the firm does, which meant that although we only sat in two practice areas, we could learn about all the opportunities at Taylor Wessing.

I felt valued across the firm because I was given real work in the two departments I was in, that contributed to the team. We were encouraged to ask questions, even during the “Focus On” sessions and we had the opportunity to speak to people separately about different practice areas if we wanted to at any stage.

I had two different supervisors (one for each practice area that I was in) and they were both fantastic, ensuring I had enough work and answering whatever questions I had. One of my supervisors even went out of his way to invite me to a hearing which was a fantastic experience! The trainees were also very supportive, and this included trainees that were not just my buddies. As there were a few socials you were able to interact with the trainees outside the firm and get to know those who weren't in your immediate practice area.

The skills I developed were very valuable and transferable (e.g. communicating ideas, research, reviewing legal documents). If I did not understand a legal issue and asked questions, people (from partner to trainee) were very happy to discuss them with me to ensure I understood the broader picture of work. Taylor Wessing seems like it takes a challenging, but supportive approach to training as some of the tasks I was set were difficult, but this meant that the work was never boring and because people were always on hand to answer questions or provide feedback, it was a great learning environment.

The vacation scheme was very well organised. The graduate talent team stayed in touch beforehand and we were even invited to a pre-vacation scheme drinks event with the trainees. We had a clear structure during the vacation scheme and even when changes arose or if the vacation schemers had department work that required us to be more flexible about attending sessions, there was plenty of communication between us and the graduate talent team. In addition, the trainees organised two social events which were very well run and thought out. Despite the amount of activities we took part in on the vacation scheme, I never felt uncertain of where I was meant to be going or who to speak to if I had a concern.

The atmosphere on the scheme was great! The other vacation scheme students were friendly and this was especially helpful as we were all put into groups to prepare a group exercise, presented at the end of the two weeks. The people within the firm itself were very approachable and keen to speak to me about their experiences at the firm. Also people really tried to give me work across the two practice areas and introduced me to people who they thought I would like to speak to if I expressed an interest. Everyone I encountered was friendly and welcoming and Taylor Wessing seems like a very positive work environment.

I felt that I got a true insight into Taylor Wessing. It really helped to speak to people of all levels across the firm as I understood the clear career path and why people have chosen to stay or move to the firm. It is very well known that the firm has excellent clients, but working inside the firm, you notice how friendly and approachable people are. It is clear there is a clear focus on collegiality and something fantastic was how people were very keen to speak to the vacation schemers even though we were only at the firm for two weeks.

The content of the vacation scheme reaffirmed my choice to work in the legal profession. In particular, I saw the life of a trainee solicitor/solicitor at Taylor Wessing and it seemed very exciting, yet there was still a very good work environment and culture. It was clear that one of the points of the Taylor Wessing vacation scheme was clearly to show us whether we could see ourselves working at the firm.

We were paid £375 a week (well within and in fact above the rate for vacation schemes)

Yes there were many events to meet people across the firm. These included a pre-vacation scheme drinks with the trainees, welcome lunch and drinks, two trainee social events and a farewell lunch and drinks. I met a broad range of people across the firm of all levels and people really made the effort to attend and meet us.

The trainee social events were very well organised and a lot of fun. One of these was a social at Flight Club and the other was a set dinner and drinks. The vacation schemers were able to interact with many different trainees which was valuable. The other networking events were held at the firm, but because of the convenience it meant that people of all levels could attend and speak to us.

Yes, people were open about their extra curricular activities. We also had a session run by the trainees about the pro bono opportunities at the firm which went into more detail about what people can get involved with. The firm is very sociable and I did not see any type of “face time” culture showing that people are encouraged to pursue activities outside of work.

I would definitely recommend this vacation scheme. It is very well organised, a lot of fun, and it shows you a true insight into life at the firm. The work within the practice areas is very exciting and you are able to get involved and improve and showcase your skills. The assessment is a group exercise which seems daunting at first, but enables you to interact with many people across the firm and understand more about the firm. Overall I really enjoyed the vacation scheme and think it is one of the best I have been on!