Vacation Scheme Student Review

I found the vacation scheme hugely enjoyable - it provided an invaluable window into the world of commercial law, and I attended a range of useful introductions to each of the firm's key practice areas. Exposure to the sorts of tasks that a trainee would undertake has set me in good stead for the future.

I felt very highly valued during the vacation scheme. All of my inquiries were swiftly answered, and personnel of all levels of seniority were more than happy to give their time to talk through their ongoing matters with me. It was clear that the firm was keen to invest significant into cultivating relationships with us.

I received a lot of guidance and support during the scheme. Whenever I had specific task-related queries, there were always associates on-hand to provide recommendations, and I was allocated a trainee buddy with whom I was in regular contact. I never felt like I was at a loose end.

I have no doubt that the areas of law with which I came into contact will also recur during the LPC. I am also certain that the content of the practice area presentations will feature when I move further into my professional career.

The scheme was very well structured. From day one I had a clear view of my schedule for the week, and all of my events were transparently accessible via a calendar that was integrated into my outlook page. Each day was carefully divided into specific sessions, so the learning was continuous.

There was a general atmosphere of solidarity, curiosity and enthusiasm. I got on really well with my cohort, and everyone that I met from the firm was very responsive and conversational. The people really made the scheme for me - doing things virtually was not ideal, but it was made much easier by the amicability of everyone involved.

The firmed invested a lot of time and effort into the scheme. There were sessions on collaboration, pro bono services, and innovation from which I derived a lot of enjotment.

The scheme was instrumental to my understanding of the role of a trainee at the firm. Every presentation included a slide on trainee tasks, and i was delegated work from my trainee that offered me the real experience.

Networking with individuals from multiple practices within the firm afforded me a good grasp of the culture of the company - there is a relaxed professional and a real team drive to achieve communal objectives.

The content has certainly aided my choice of career. Perhaps the most important thing that I gained from the scheme was the confidence that I have made the right decision in selecting commercial law as my path.

I was paid for my participation.

There were infinite networking and social opportunities. I regularly called people for quick catch ups and meetings, and there formal social events designed to ease us into the scheme.

The opportunities were great, and also very helpful. They provided an effective way of getting to know my cohort despite the physical distance, and the various chats that I had with associates and partners convinced me of the culture of the firm.

There were plenty of presentations on the extracurricular opportunities available, in the form of working groups, pro bono service, training sessions, business development, and innovation. It is clear that there are numerous ways for people to stretch themselves.

I would definitely recommend this scheme to a friend. For someone with a budding interest in commercial law and an appreciate for the firm's key sectors, this scheme provides an awful lot of much-needed additional detail to what's in store for a trainee solicitor.