Summer Virtual Placement Scheme Review

I really enjoyed the insight as I was able to get a really good understanding of the firm and experience the culture for myself. I also enjoyed the multiple talks on the different sectors that the firm operates in as it gave me a deeper understanding of what lawyers do each day and the tasks which would be typically expected of a trainee. Overall I found that the insight was very structured and everyone was very friendly.

As vacation schemers and also as we were not able to undertake any real client work (given that we did not have access to the internal network of the firm having worked from home), it was perhaps harder to feel "valued" in the traditional employment sense however I definitely felt that everyone from the firm was genuinely interested in getting to know us as individuals, ranging from the trainee buddies to the associates and partners who gave talks and interviewed us.

We were given essentially a task to do a day, none of which were particularly challenging however I was always sure that if I was struggling I could reach out to someone, either graduate recruitment or my trainee buddy hence I never felt that I was on my own. The tasks given were also quite clear in their instructions. At the beginning and end of each day we had a group meeting with the graduate recruitment team just to check in on us.

The information which I have gained from the scheme will certainly help me adjust better for when I begin a training contract. It also gave me a deeper understanding of what life as a lawyer was like and the specific tasks which I will need to do. This was very useful as I have always been told studying law and practising law is very different without anyone actually saying in what way. I also slightly further developed my research and communication skills through the tasks given.

The placement scheme was incredibly well structured. While the first day was slightly tiring just from the stress of the first day and the fact that I was not used to sitting in front of the laptop for so long, I really enjoyed the split between talks and tasks given and also that the assessment centre was in the middle. There was never a point where I did not know what I was meant to be doing and I also very much enjoyed the scheduled 1 on 1 chats with the trainee and associate.

Everyone was incredibly friendly which made even the stressful assessment day enjoyable. My one on one chats really allowed me to see what the culture of the firm was like and this was further supported after coming into contact with the many different trainees and associates and partners. Not only was the firm very friendly but everyone on the scheme was also very nice. I enjoyed being split up into teams for one of our tasks as it gave us a chance to speak more freely.

Again there were multiple talks on the different sectors of the firm, each detailing what the lawyers did in those sectors, the typical tasks and cases which they deal with. This allowed significant insight, especially to sectors which I have never thought to look at before, such as pensions, but have realised that I would probably really enjoy. One of the tasks also involved an insight into a typical day as a trainee and was very helpful in furthering my understanding.

The culture of the firm really shone through despite having to experience it through a screen. My one on one talks were the best at allowing me to really experience the culture as I was able to ask any questions I had but also to just have a regular chat with those in the firm. It was clear from the trainee and associate's view that everyone was obviously hardworking however very friendly and supportive of each other.

I had already decided beforehand that I wished to work in a commercial law firm in the City, therefore, the scheme did not massively change anything however it did further confirm my choice of career path.

We had two socials during the week along with a virtual trainee lunch. Opportunities for networking was obviously significantly limited given that we had to work from home however I believe the firm did the best that they could to still provide us with social events. There were also many opportunities to meet other employees from the firm as we had multiple talks throughout the week, each led by two different associates/ partners/ trainees hence we were able to meet a wide range of people.

The first one was a yodomo session where we made a hanging pot holder from pieces of rope. The second one was a doughnut decorating social where we were split into teams with other trainees and placement schemers. I really enjoyed both, however perhaps I felt that the yodomo session was a bit too long (2+ hours), especially as it was right after the first day. It was also quite intense as it can be quite difficult to have one conversation between 30 people however that was simply due to the fact that we had to work from home and not to do with the firm.

Yes we were told a lot about the different activities. I was most impressed with the firm's support of the Stephen Lawrence Trust which helps year 9 BAME students as that closely resembled the activities that I have undertaken. There are also plenty of opportunities for pro Bono work, getting involved with the innovation team to suggest new ideas and also diversity and inclusion initiatives which are being undertaken. There are also many sports activities that are open to employees.

I really enjoyed my week with SH and I would definitely suggest anyone to apply. Not only was I able to meet great new people, both from the firm and other placement schemers, but I also gained a better understanding of life as a lawyer. The week was well-structured/ informative and even the stressful assessment centre was a great experience to have. The most important thing that I have taken from the scheme however is the culture of the firm.