Trainee solicitor Review

The vacation scheme was brilliant, and very well organised. There were so many different sessions and events put on for us, which was lovely. Everyone that I came across was very welcoming, from trainee level all the way up to partner level.

The vacation schemers had lots of arranged talks, activities and lunches, which made us feel really included. We were also invited to the summer party, which was such good fun. It was held at Madison Square Garden, with a beautiful view of St Pauls. Cocktails were excellent too!

My two supervisors across the two weeks were really excellent and supportive. They both made lots of time for me, and made sure that I had enough work to be getting on with. They gave clear and constructive feedback, and made an effort to introduce me to everyone in the department.

I was given tasks by so many different people, which meant I was able to gain a proper insight into the sectors that Taylor Wessing specialise in. The group presentation also meant we had to learn to balance our time effectively; between the work in the departments, and our group project.

We had talks on every different practice area, which were helpful for giving us a full insight into how the firm works. Many of these were held over lunchtime, and we were provided with lovely lunches alongside them. As well as the summer party, we had two arranged social events with the trainees. We went to Flight Club to play darts, and then in the second week we had a three-course meal. We also had a group task of putting together a presentation across the two weeks.

The other vacation schemers were very nice, and we treated each other more as peers than as competitors. People across the firm also seemed very happy at Taylor Wessing, and were more than happy to meet us vac schemers for coffee to tell us about their experiences.

The amount of effort put into structuring the vacation scheme and arranging social events gave the impression that the firm really was looking to improve our skills and knowledge.

By sitting in two departments, and also through hearing from all other departments through the insight sessions, it was easy to get a view of what life is like in different teams at the firm.

Being invited to the summer party meant that we were able to get a feeling for how Taylor Wessing's staff were both in and out of the workplace. We were also given the opportunity to attend non-work events, such as a talk on the importance of diversity. This gave us a deeper insight into Taylor Wessing's culture. Finally, whilst I was sat in the IP department, I was lucky enough to be there on their weekly 'Bake Off' day. The cake pops and flapjacks were delicious!

I have left the vacation scheme with a much clearer idea of what area of law I might want to work in in the future, or at least try out as a seat on my training contract. By being given the opportunity to chat to so many of the firm's staff, I was able to ask them about their experiences at other law firms. This allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the legal sphere, which has helped me to decide what kind of place I want to work.

We were paid £750 for the two weeks scheme.

The group project required us to get into contact with many people across the firm to ask them for their views and ideas. We were also encouraged to organise coffee dates with people across the firm.

The darts social at Flight Club was brilliant fun. There was a generous amount of lovely food and alcohol provided, and we were really able to have fun and get to know the trainees. The second social was a three-course dinner. Again, there was plentiful amounts of food and drink. The atmosphere was also great, and so many trainees turned up.

We had talks about the firm's pro bono work, and the practice area insight talks often incorporated a slide or two on the social events that their team has got up to.

The scheme was really good fun. I was kept so busy that the two weeks flew by so fast. However, I met some really great friends in my fellow vac schemers, and got a real insight into Taylor Wessing's work and culture.