Vacation Scheme Review

The vac scheme gave a brilliant insight into life as a trainee at BCLP. Spending two weeks in two different departments gave me exposure to a variety of work and the opportunity to meet a variety of lawyers from all seniorities and paths into the career. Being buddied with a trainee, associate and partner in each department led to a really insightful experience and a port of call to answer all questions. This made for a really interesting couple of weeks.

In both departments, all supervisors giving me work took the time to fully explain the task I was being set and how it would fit with the wider work the department was doing. This not only gave me a better understanding of the task at hand but also made me feel valued as my work was contributing to some extent to the department's work.

As much or as little as I asked for. The graduate recruitment team were fantastically honest and open about the recruitment process throughout the scheme and answered all questions and advice on taking applications further and securing a training contract. Equally, within the departments, all questions I posed were answered comprehensively and I felt that no matter who had set me the work, they were always willing to guide if I became stuck.

During the seat work, the skills I developed from undertaking legal research, drafting correspondence, and proofreading will stand me in excellent stead during a training contract. Likewise, the skills I enhanced during the client pitch presentation, pro bono work, and case studies were representative of the skills required of not only a trainee, but more appropriately, a senior lawyer. Without a doubt, this experience enhanced the skills I need to continue my legal education and my further career.

The vac scheme was brilliantly structured with time spent within departments, as well as away from desks during workshops from all areas of the firm, both internally and internationally. This made for a really varied experience and I particularly enjoyed this aspect of the scheme. I felt this structure produced a challenging yet diverse scheme.

The general atmosphere during the vacation scheme was incredibly supportive. This was primarily spearheaded by the graduate recruitment team and harnessed also by trainee buddies who were primarily guiding us within each department. Equally, there was an element of pressure in juggling seat work with case study and presentation work. However, this served to create a realistic picture of life as a trainee, and whilst challenging, was very enjoyable.

The scheme gave me a real insight into what it would be like to be a trainee there. Not only were we buddied with trainees so I got an insight into the day to day of their work, we were also tasked with very real work. This authentic approach gave a brilliant insight.

The significant amount of desk time during the scheme gave me an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day culture at BCLP. Coupled with being able to meet people from all levels, areas, and geographies of the firm gave a brilliant oversight into how BCLP operates beyond the office space. With the addition of seminars on BCLP's diversity and inclusion outreach, I feel I obtained a full picture of the nature of the firm's culture.

Like myself, most people on the scheme had decided on a career in law. However, the scheme was useful in giving an insight into what it would be like to be a trainee there. Therefore, whilst it did not necessarily make me decide on a legal career, by undertaking real work, it certainly confirmed that it was the career for me.

The pay was reflective of vacation schemes with similar tiered firms.

Yes, the firm organised multiple social events. As well as this, I was able to attend department-led networking events with external clients to help broaden the network I made at BCLP. At these sessions, most areas and seniority of lawyer was represented which made for really interesting and varied networking sessions.

By speaking with team members, vacation schemers were able to find out about the sports teams and events that BCLP's lawyers were part of. I got involved in the sports teams as well as the Legal Walk. I also learnt about the scope of pursuing your own interests and setting up activities for other employees.