Vacation Scheme Attendee Review

I greatly enjoyed the insight scheme. In particular, I enjoyed the diverse range of international work I was given the opportunity to work on. Through this process, I was able to interact with a range of individuals from across the firm. Aside from working, I enjoyed mixing with my cohort. I found this really enjoyable due to the diverse background of the individuals who took part on the scheme. The highlight, of course, was the Pizza making course!

I felt like a valued member of the specific team I worked with in the firm. This was the case because I was given real work and responsibility throughout my internship. I felt that the work I was doing was making a real impact on the overall deal it contributed to. The individuals I performed tasks for made sure I always understood the wider ramifications of the contributions I was making. I also felt valued due to the range of informative lectures which members of the firm took time to prepare and present to us throughout the scheme.

Firstly, Graduate Recruitment were always extremely helpful, responsive and transparent throughout the Scheme. An important example occurred when there were extensive train delays on the day of our training contract assessment. The Graduate Recruitment team responded quickly to my messages and ensured provisions were in place should I miss the start of the day. Other members of the firm demonstrated their support by taking time out of their busy schedules to ensure I always had some work to get on with and that everything was extensively explained to me. Lastly, each member of the Scheme were provided with a Trainee Buddy.

The information I received, both about the firm and commercial law more generally, re-affirmed my commitment to my chosen career and law firm. Furthermore, I was able think about my organisational skills by hearing from lawyers about the way they manage their workloads and ensure work-life balance. I have since been able to apply these skills in my own working life. Lastly, by attending a masterclass on contract drafting during my placement, I was able to improve my legal drafting skills.

The Scheme was extremely well structured. We were given a timetable at the beginning which incorporated everything from assessments, presentations and blocked out time to work in our chosen departments. In this way, the organisers of the Scheme were able to meet all our expectations and needs in an equal way. By being given an extensive timetable on the first day, each member of the Scheme knew exactly what was happening each day in advance. This enabled us to prepare adequately for the relevant challenges we faced throughout the Scheme.

Despite being highly competitive, the general atmosphere of the Scheme was very fun, positive and engaging. There was a good rapport between the whole cohort. This was closely contrasted (in a positive way) by the hard working atmosphere that typifies an international commercial law firm. This was important as it gave us a true insight into the realities of the job. I believe that the organises got the balance right when setting the atmosphere for the Scheme.

Throughout the Scheme we received a range of presentations from Trainees, Associates and Partners. We were able to hear about their personal experiences, as well as the realities of the practice groups they work in. This enabled us to picture exactly what it would be like to have a full time role at the firm. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, we were given a Q&A session with a group of current Trainees. In this session, the cohort were able to ask any questions about the realities of being a Trainee at the firm.

Yes, the insight improved our understanding of the firm's culture. We heard talks on the firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion, legal technology and the importance of working internationally. From a logistical point of view, we shared offices with Associates and Partners. This enabled me to witness first hand just how sociable and collegiate members of the firm were on a day to day basis. Lastly, we received a presentation on all the charity work that takes place at the firm.

Yes, I believe we were paid adequately for this experience. I came to this conclusion by comparing the remuneration received by attendees on similar schemes with other law firms. In some cases, the firm even payed better than other Schemes I had attended in the past. Due to the fact that we were working in London, I believe that the salary we received was enough to sustain living in the capital for the duration of the Scheme. This is really important for any Insight Scheme.

There were a couple of networking and social events throughout the scheme. On multiple days, the firm provided lunch and invited employees to speak to the cohort. This provided a relaxed and sociable opportunity to get to know different employees in an informal way. The graduate recruitment team also organised socials for the cohort and invited all the trainee buddies to attend these events. One example was a pizza making course. The event was organised at the end of the scheme (after all the assessments). Everyone was therefore very relaxed and made the most of the opportunity to socialise.