Vacation Scheme Student Review

The two week vacation scheme was well-balanced in terms of exposure and time spent in the practice areas and professional skills development. We had an induction on the first morning with all the other vacation schemers followed by a lunch with our buddies which was really useful in getting to know everyone on the scheme.

The induction morning and in particular the daily, sometimes twice daily focus-on sessions evidenced how much Taylor Wessing invested in us. We regularly interacted with partners and associates and trainees across all events, even in our day-to-day tasks. It was really fulfilling to interact with everyone from the company even the secretaries and have everyone welcome us and be so patient with us.

The support from graduate recruitment and everyone working at Taylor Wessing was excellent. The buddy and supervisor system was excellent and all the fee-earners were highly approachable. It was very obvious that everyone cares about you as a student and potential lawyer more than just trying to convince you to stay at the firm. Most important of all, everyone consistently told us to not stress about getting a TC and just enjoy our time here and learn as much as possible, which I found really reassuring.

The general experience of networking with the various social events the firm put on really helped me develop lifelong networking skills. The practical legal skills developed would of course be very useful as a future trainee. But more importantly, my overall skills in interacting with a team, being positive and just being communicative to those around me have really strengthened over my time at Taylor Wessing and will be useful in all walks of life.

The vacation scheme was well structured with a concise induction, introductory talks into the different practice groups, enough social events, enough time to manage on your own to coffee chat a partner or even just do your work. The group project was also a crucial aspect of the vacation scheme which took up quite a bit of time such that we were always doing work of some sort.

The general atmosphere was always informal with no tension or discomfort. Everyone is really friendly and willing to help. Associates come up to you to chat about your experience so far and I genuinely enjoyed interacting with all members of the law firm over my time here. The social events also allowed all the vacation schemers to get to know each other better.

We had a half-day induction where we were given a basic introduction to the IT systems. Also, every day, and sometimes twice daily, fee-earners from a different department delivered presentations to us introducing their department and explaining the type of work they do. Furthermore, fee-earners were always approachable and willing to meet for coffee to discuss more.

Trainees gave us tasks that they do regularly so in some way it helped us understand the tasks that we would do if we became trainees. In addition, exposure to the atmosphere of the firm and the approachability of all the partners gave me an idea of the environment I would be working in and the responsibility I would be given.

Very good. We interacted a lot with everyone at the firm in our own capacity and got to know the culture mostly through its people.

Super helpful. I think it made me know that I would like to pursue a career at a firm like Taylor Wessing but not so much the general legal industry because everything I learned was relevant to and catered towards the firm.

We were paid £750 for the two weeks and travel expenses on top of that.

Yes there were a few. Drinks on the rooftop in the first and second week as well as partners joining us for lunch.

Excellent. Free drinks on the first day, a great night out in Flight Club, an invite to the firm's summer party, a dinner at a restaurant in the second week and farewell lunch and drinks on the roof on Friday. All well-organised, enjoyable and a great chance to get to know fellow vacation schemers and trainees.

A bit. We were invited to play rugby with the firm but not much else.

Yes. Enjoyable, exposure to a great firm and a valuable insight into legal practice