Vacation Scheme Review

The scheme was extremely enjoyable. It was well put together, with the right balance of work, general learning about the firm and social events. During my time in two different departments, I was exposed to a wide variety of work and exciting, and often newsworthy, clients. Equally, all of the employees, and my peers on the scheme, were friendly, helpful and easy to work alongside.

My supervisors and buddies did their best to give me real tasks and find ways that I could assist them with their work. All employees were keen to speak to us and promote the firm. Furthermore, graduate recruitment made an effort to make us feel particularly valued. In particular, they enhanced our scheme by arranging excellent social events.

We received an excellent level of support on the scheme. Graduate recruitment were always friendly, approachable and offered support wherever required. Notably, having both a trainee buddy and a supervisor in each department that we worked in enhanced my experience. Both my buddies and supervisors were more than happy to offer advice, answer questions and find me interesting work.

The skills I developed over the scheme were invaluable. I learnt a lot about each department that I was sat in. This includes the types of research they undertake, the type of work each department focuses on, and how the various teams interlink and assist one another in a full service firm. In addition, the daily "Focus On" sessions, each highlighting a particular department, were highly informative.

The scheme was extremely well structured. We were given a timetable at the start which set out when we had our daily "Focus On" sessions, when we had social events after work, and any other activities. There was the right balance between finding out general information about the firm, socialising with employees and peers on the scheme, and undertaking work in our given seats.

The general atmosphere was exceptionally positive. Everyone on the scheme seemed happy to be there, friendly and supportive. The trainees enhanced the atmosphere by being friendly and lots of fun at social events. There was also a positive atmosphere amongst all the employees who enjoy their work, and there was a particularly good atmosphere at Taylor Wessing's summer party.

The firm invested fully in both personal training and development. Our supervisors and buddies invested time and effort in teaching us about each department we sat in. In particular, the "Focus On" sessions were a positive investment that allowed us to learn about other departments and develop our interests.

The scheme provided a realistic picture of what it would be like to work at Taylor Wessing. I was assigned real tasks to work on and given the chance to discuss real issues. I was also fortunate enough to sit in on real conference calls and meetings, as well as observe lawyers in their day to day business.

The scheme provided a real insight into the firm's culture. For instance, through inviting us to firm wide events and through spending time with trainees. Through sharing offices with lawyers or spending time in the wider department that I sat in, I gained a realistic insight into the firm's culture.

The content of the day was useful in confirming that I would like to pursue a role in this industry, This was because the work was interesting, varied and challenging. In addition, I enjoyed working in a fast-paced atmosphere alongside equally enthusiastic individuals.

I was paid well for this experience.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking throughout the scheme. We were encouraged to network within our seats and speak to employees about cases that they were working on. Graduate Recruitment also encouraged as to reach out to members of other departments of interest to find out as much as we could. There were also plenty of events where we had the opportunity to network.

The networking and social event opportunities were excellent. We had the opportunity to network with lawyers at various levels at lunches and after work drinks. The social events were well organised, lots of fun and allowed us to get to know one another, as well as the trainees at the firm.

We learnt about some pro bono opportunities at the firm, as well as some other corporate social responsibility opportunities.

I would definitely recommend this scheme to a friend. I learnt a lot about law and particularly the departments that I sat in. I also learnt a great deal about the firm and its culture. Finally, I enjoyed working alongside the other vacation scheme students and attending well planned and fun social events.