Placement student Review

It was really interesting to better understand the role of a commercial solicitor at an international firm such as SH. I enjoyed speaking to members of the firm and understanding how SH stands out from similar firms in London. Whilst the scheme was virtual (due to COVID) I feel the team at SH still managed to host a really informative, enjoyable and worthwhile vacation scheme. I would recommend this scheme to anyone with interest in being a commercial solicitor.

Being a virtual placement scheme, this is the area I thought would not be as good. However, the two members of graduate recruitment and the rest of the firm in general were hugely welcoming. They were approachable and very helpful if I had any issues with task etc. From trainees to partners, each member of the firm was kind and welcoming - something that cannot be said for all corporate law firms in the city.

I received support whenever I required it and the response times of both the graduate recruitment members were very quick. It was great to be able to receive assistance and guidance from trainees and associates, as we were free to email them with questions where needed. It would have been nice to have a little more personal time with the grad recruitment team, however I think they really did they best they could with a virtual scheme that was a week shorter than usual.

I learned so much about the different practice groups in a corporate law firm. Understanding how the corporate, finance and litigation practices work will be of massive assistance if I have to do this process again for other firms. Similarly, learning how a law firm works will allow me to tailor my studies better to the areas I am particularly interested in. I have already applied to switch to corporate law simulation in my 3rd year. A direct response to what I enjoyed at SH.

Again, the grad recruitment team were very limited in what they could do - as the vac scheme was 1 week shorter due to COVID. However, I feel the structure and planning was exceptional. I was constantly busy, and constantly learning new things. There was also scheduled time to speak to my buddy and supervisor personally and to get to know the rest of the placement students. Coupled with this, the social evenings were great and a good addition to the week.

Everyone was very positive and helpful. Ranging from the grad team to the partners. I felt welcomed and valued throughout my time at SH. The atmosphere was professional but relaxed and definitely somewhere I would love to work. I thought it would be hard to gauge the atmosphere of the firm without going to the offices, however, this was not the case. It was a great experience and I would recommend both SH and the vacation scheme process to anyone who is interested.

It’s difficult for a firm to fully invest in you When they don’t get know whether you will be offered the TC. That being said, I feel SH provided great personal training and the experience will massively benefit my career and studies in the future.

This experience showed me what to expect as a commercial solicitor im an international firm. Coupled with this, it specifically showed me how it would feel to work at SH and it is definitely somewhere I would love to work.

SH’s focus on diversity and inclusion was apparent from the outset and championed throughout the vac scheme. Coupled with this, the firms focus on talented individuals was displayed in each and every member of staff.

The experience has consolidated my passion to become a commercial solicitor at a city firm. More specifically it has fuelled my ambition to work for SH in the future, whether accepted for the TC or as an NQ.

I was paid for the week.

This was obviously the hardest area to manage during lockdown and over Zoom. However, SH planned two socials and allowed us to speak to any members of the firm we wanted too. Though this particular experience would probably have been more beneficial in the offices, I think SH did the best they could in the current circumstances.

These were great! Unfortunately there was only 2 as the vac scheme was cut short a week! However I enjoyed both of them!

I found a little more out about the employees life outside work, however not as much as if the scheme was taking place in the offices. Again, not a critique of SH as this was out of their control

I would 100% recommend the firm to a friend and the vac scheme process. It was massively enjoyable and informative.