SPARK scheme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the scheme. Through partner led presentations, I was able to gain insight into a broad range of practice areas from larger ones such as Corporate, and Litigation & Disputes Resolution, to more specialised ones such as Real Estate and Tax. As well as this, I was able to learn more about innovation at the firm, the firm's international opportunities and its very impressive community outreach and pro bono work. I also enjoyed the social aspect of scheme which included a live cooking class with a Michelin star chef, and a yoga class. There were also tasks set each of the three days of the scheme. They allowed me to apply some of what I learnt throughout the day and also challenged me as I had to do research and produce concise emails/voicemails for fictitious clients.

I felt very valued. Despite it being online, Graduate Recruitment made efforts to ensure that everyone was able to fully engage in the scheme and made provisions so that we all had a chance to put a question to a partner. The firm hosting interactive social events in addition was also testament to its realisation that being virtual, extra efforts would need to be made to ensure that we could form bonds as an intake and build relationships amongst ourselves.

I was well supported by my trainee buddy. They were very approachable and happy to answer any questions I had about the firm, the tasks set and commercial law more generally.

I developed my research skills and my ability to reflect. These skills will stand me in good stead throughout my law degree, as both are essential for writing good essays, and will certainly help me in my career as a commercial lawyer.

It was well structured with a diverse, jam-packed and very engaging itinerary.

Really informative, encouraging and supportive. I felt that I learnt a lot not only from the partners and the members of the firm I engaged with, but from my fellow SPARK/vac schemers as well.

The firm invested in me a great deal. Even prior to the start of the scheme, I was invited to attend networking drinks and an event at the o2 in the corporate box. I subsequently I was able to experience the firm and its culture, engage with an array of people and hear different perspectives about the firm.

The SPARK scheme helped me understand what life would be like as a trainee in a virtual world. I was also somewhat able to get accustomed to online working and networking.

Events about diversity and inclusion, pro bono and community outreach allowed me to understand that these are areas that are of central importance to the firm.

Insight into practice areas gave me a better understanding of what the role of a trainee and indeed a solicitor entails which confirmed that this is the career path I would like to pursue.

£350 per week

There were lots of opportunities to network with people from the firm including virtual networking lunches and catch-ups with your trainee buddy. Partners also made it clear that you could reach out to them anytime with further questions.

Networking, the cooking class and yoga was very relaxed and fun.

I learnt about pro bono opportunities, community outreach and international secondments.

Definitely! The SPARK scheme was fantastic and it is a great way to learn about the firm and commercial law.