Placement Scheme Student Review

The placement scheme was delivered entirely online, yet it still provided a phenomenal insight into the firm's culture and work. I particularly enjoyed the tasks we completed on the scheme, including one in rail finance and another in commercial litigation. I also thoroughly enjoyed listening to representatives from each department speak passionately about their work and the firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this firm to anybody in the future, particularly if you are interested in the rail, shipping and aviation sectors.

There were three main occasions, amongst others, during which I felt like a valued member of the team. The first occasion was the first social event. The placement scheme students were joined by both the graduate recruitment team and trainees from the firm. This was really fun and I felt as though I was part of the firm. Secondly, I partook in the firm's Pride Quiz. There were lots of people involved from the firm, from partners to trainees, yet I did not feel as though I was an 'outsider' even though I was only a placement scheme student. This also showed how important inclusivity is to the firm. Lastly, we partook in a doughnut decorating social with trainees. Everybody was just so friendly - the doughnuts were tasty as well!

I felt as though the guidance and support received throughout was the best that it could have been, taking into consideration the circumstances. During the placement scheme, we had regular catch-ups with the graduate recruitment team each morning, which was great. We were also immediately added to a group chat with members of the graduate recruitment team, which meant that we were able to have any queries we had answered even when not online. We also received a call from a member of graduate recruitment towards the end of the week, just asking about how we had found the week and to check that we were all okay. Overall, I felt really supported.

The scheme has helped me to get a better understanding of what commercial lawyers do, how they work together on transactions, and what I can do to improve myself in order to become a good lawyer in the future. Through the webinars, I gained a much greater appreciation for what the day-to-day role of a lawyer in various departments. For example, the Marine and International Trade team advise on various matters, such as financings and disputes. Through the tasks, I learned the importance of time management and organisation.

The insight was very well structured, with all sorts of activities, webinars and social events located throughout the entire week. In particular, the webinars provided a great opportunity to learn a lot about the firm in such a short space of time. We had a talk from departmental representatives for roughly 50 minutes, and then had time at the end to ask any questions. The assessment centre was also well-structured. We had various activities to complete - including a presentation, interview and case study exercise - yet it was not too daunting as we had breaks throughout.

The atmosphere was great. At the beginning, I was a little sceptical about how we would be able to gain a good insight into the firm without being in the actual office, since a big part of a placement scheme is deciding whether you fit well within the firm's culture. However, the general atmosphere was amazing and I felt I had a proper chance to learn a lot about the firm's culture through its employees.

Lots of tasks and training to help with development.

Lots of interaction with employees, as well as webinars to teach us about the firm's different practice areas. It was great!

The interaction with the firm's employees helped with this a lot.

The content of the webinars provided an exceptional insight into what it would be like as a trainee in each department.

I think we were paid the right amount for the scheme.

We had various social events, which gave us a chance to meet lots of people firm-wide.

Really enjoyable - I thoroughly enjoyed the doughnut decorating social event in particular.

Indeed. There are lots of opportunities to get involved with pro bono work and charity initiatives as an employee at the firm.

I would definitely recommend this to a friend.