Vacation scheme Review

I enjoyed the insight greatly. I was able to undertake 2 research tasks in 2 different areas I was keen on. Further, I had a trainee buddy and a supervisor. This allowed me to understand the nature of the firm's work and to see if I get along with the people at the firm. We also had practice area talks which helped me understand what made the firm unique. These are learning points I could not get just off a website.

I felt very valued while I was with Latham & Watkins. I felt that both my trainee buddy and supervisor were similar to myself. They were females and both identify as being introverts. This meant that conversations flowed naturally and I could be my true self. It also made me feel people like myself is represented at the firm. These all then lead to me feeling valued and seen by the firm. The graduate recruitment was also very sensitive to my needs.

I received quite a good amount of support. I was able to get feedback on drafts of my research tasks. I was also able to speak with my supervisor was extended period of time to learn about her practice area. That was very insightful. The vacation scheme was also designed in such a way that there were numerous documents available to us to aid with our research. There were special sessions created where we can clarify any questions we have.

I learnt how to be organised. I got started on my research tasks as soon as I can to be able to meet the deadline. I also scheduled zoom meetings in advance so that I can better plan my time. This helped me enjoy my scheme whilst meeting my responsibilities. The information I learnt helped me decide between my offers. It also helped me better understand Latham & Watkins' strengths. I feel more confident emerging from the scheme with these knowledge.

The vacation scheme was extremely well structured. The firm used the Inside Sherpa platform. This is a platform I was already familiar with as I have explored other virtual experiences on Inside Sherpa. The familiarity with the platform helped me greatly. Further, it was easy to navigate the site. Zoom meeting links were also very conveniently attached to each session. It saved me the trouble of trawling through emails to find the correct link. The information was presented simply and in an easy-to-understand manner.

The general atmosphere during my insight felt competitive. The people who were on the scheme with me were all very intelligent and asked great questions. We were informed that places will be competitive. I think that information led us to be more competitive as a whole. But I did not think the competitive feeling became negative or toxic in any way. People were all still really friendly and engaging. The lawyers at the firm were cheerful and extremely knowledgable. It was a pleasant scheme.

The firm invested in me to the extent that they continued to hold the scheme instead of cancelling it straight away. They got many of their lawyers involved to give practice session overviews. I was also given a trainee buddy and supervisor. These arrangements demonstrated how much the firm valued me as a lawyer's time is very costly. I also really enjoyed the drafting session we had. It helped me be very mindful of the way I write and to find room for growth.

The insight helped my understand the type of work and clients Latham & Watkins do and have. However, due to the virtual nature, I was not able to spend time in the office. I think not being able to be in the environment impeded my ability to understand what it would be like working full time. I do know that the working hours are long. Apart from the above, I got to learn about their affinity groups. Learning about these support networks is incredibly encouraging.

The insight was very helpful. I had read about the committees at Latham & Watkins but never quite fully understand how they operated. After the scheme, I have a much clearer picture as we were given talks by committee members themselves. I found Latham & Watkins' decision-making approach conducive for transparency and forming collegiality. These are super important traits for me given I will be working long hours and there will be times when the work will be tough.

The content was very valuable. I have competing offers from other firms and being able to understand the type of work Latham & Watkins does and why they are good at it helped me differentiate them from the others. Also, being able to speak with lawyers themselves was very helpful. I know the teams are staffed leanly and hence I will get a lot of responsibility. I wanted to know that I will receive adequate support.

I was paid 350 pounds a week.

There were sessions scheduled for us to speak with lawyers. But I was not able to arrange more sessions with others as I had not reached out.

We had a few opportunities to network. I particularly enjoyed the yoga session.

I did not manage to find much out in this respect.

I will definitely recommend this insight to a friend. Latham & Watkins is a highly prestigious firm. The people here are also very hardworking and knowledgable. In particular, they were very passionate about their work. And I think being able to see this will inspire others to pursue a career in commercial law with Latham & Watkins. The firm is also very keen to understand my personal circumstances. This amount of care is very appreciated.