Summer Vacation Scheme Review

I've really loved my time on the vacation scheme. From the beginning to the end it has been a fast-paced and stimulating experience. I feel like I've learnt a great deal and met some really interesting people who have imparted a great deal of wisdom! Events have been nicely broken up between the time spent at seats as well.

I have been made to feel that the tasks given to me were intended to make a genuine contribution to the relevant project/client. I've really enjoyed that added responsibility allowed me to feel truly part of the wider team. Being asked to attend both court and meetings in both departments further made me feel like I was there to add value.

In both the departments I worked in I received excellent support and guidance. People were always willing to take time out to explain something I wasn't sure on or provide for context when necessary. Occasionally I was left to my own devices and told limited info, however, I enjoyed the challenge of trying to deduce what was actually being asked of me!

A significant portion of the work I was asked to do involved me predominately conducting legal research. Having recently finished the GDL legal research was something I'd already developed and I wouldn't say the scheme has improved it further. I have, however, definitely developed in my understanding and know-how in regards to drafting reports/notes to clients or partners. Learning and observing the way to structure them and the correct style of language to be used. This will certainty benefit me going forward.

On the whole the scheme was structured really well. It was clear from day one what I would be doing on each day and there was a really good mix of talks, events and time spent at the seats. Balanced out really well. My only very minor critique is that I felt that the group as a whole would of benefited from an icebreaker similar to the pizza making/bar fund on the penultimate evening. Although we'd had a welcome drinks on the second night it was within the building so a little more formal. I felt some relaxed and engaged more last night than I'd seen them before, which would have been good to see a little earlier! Like I said a really minor thing and on the whole was excellently structured.

General atmosphere was fantastic. Friendly and welcoming people in every inch of the building. I was never made to feel unwelcome or burdensome, which within a large business when a person is only there on a short term basis is certainly not always the case. So really impressive and very grateful for this!

A number of different employees of the firm, ranging from trainee level to being partners took time during their working day to give talks. These talks have been hugely benefical and given me a far more holistic understanding of both the firm and the world of law more generally. Also received some IT training.

Spending two weeks at the firm in two different departments has given me a good insight as to what a career in the firm would look like.

Spending two weeks completely immersed within the firm has given me a hugely valuable insight into its culture. I have been given the opportunity to speak to a number of different employees and worked within two separate departments but also had exposure to other areas through the nature of the work. I believe the firm to have an excellent company culture.

Although having done my GDL already and been set on doing law as a career for a number of years now. My experience at Stephenson Harwood has only served to further cement my desire to be a lawyer (hopefully here). Where the scheme has provided me with future guidance is by me working in two different departments which I hadn't had much experience of before. This is hugely valuable for me moving forward.

Paid generously.

There were ample opportunities to meet and network within the firm. From the intimate talks given, socials put on with employees of the firm and time spent in the departments getting to know a wide range of people of different levels of seniority. Much of the work I was involved with would involve other departments also so was exposed to more people than I expected.

All great and really enjoyable. Well organised by the firm.

Not really. Was more focused on the firm and opportunities within it.

Without question. Think its a great chance to get to know the firm and a really valuable experience.