Vacation scheme Review

I really enjoyed the virtual vacation scheme. The socials, presentations and the workload were all delivered very effectively even though it was all done online. The socials were fun and engaging, allowing me to really connect with the other people on the scheme. The presentations were very intriguing and insightful, providing me with a better understanding of firm's work and expertise. I was given a good amount of intriguing and diverse work, as well as sufficient contact with supervisors and my trainee buddee.

I felt very valued at this firm. The reason for this is because they initially responded very quickly after the interview which was very reassuring and removed any anxiety I had. They then sent me a laptop, snacks, food vouchers and drinks for the scheme so I was certainly treated well. I also received a lot of calls from partners, associates and trainees throughout the scheme to check up on me and provide me with advice, so I certainly felt welcomed.

The supervisors who assigned me work explained the assignments in a very easily understandable way that allowed me to work on the matters relatively easily. They also explained the relevant resources I should use and were always open to answering any questions I had. My trainee buddy also provided me with support whenever needed and everyone could easily be messaged or called whenever needed. I always received feedback after each piece of work which allowed me to constantly see where I could improve for next time.

The skills that I utilised were extremely similar to the sort of work that I am used to doing in my undergraduate law degree. It essentially developed my legal research skills in researching case law and secondary sources, compiling a research note explaining concept legal concepts in a simplified manner and using problem solving skills to apply that research to the specific context and case that I was working on. These are all similar tasks and skills required for my legal studies.

The virtual vacation scheme was structured very effectively. A few days before the scheme started, we all received a fixed timetable that included all the events, presentations and socials that would occur within the two weeks, so we all knew how the scheme was to be carried out even before we started. We were also given detailed explanations regarding how to access events through Microsoft Teams. The presenations were also structured effectively as all the departments gave a talk about their work.

The atmosphere of the virtual vacation scheme was amazing! I certainly felt welcomed as I had trainees, supervisors and partners reaching out to me, either through call or email to arrange a meeting, to check up me and how I was doing and were always open to answering my questions about HSF. Everyone wa also very supportive and always open to talk, as well as providing guidance and support whenever needed. The socials were also very intriuging and really allowed me to connect with the other people on the scheme.

The departmental presentations and talks were all very informative and provided me with useful information regarding the work they undertake. They also provided detail on the responsibilities given to trainees as well as the range of work allocated to them and how they are expected to complete them. Whilst everyone was open to support me and provide me with guidance whenever I needed it, the only improvement would be to hold actual training as that would help with early career development.

The virtual vacation scheme certainly consilidated and affirmed my existing desire to join the firm. The plethora of events, presentations and social events provided me with an in-depth understanding of what life is like as a worker at HSF. The presentations provided comprehensive detail about the work the firm undertakes and the responsibilities given to trainees. The social events and mentoring system also indicated the supportive and collaborative nature of the firm as everyone indicated that they enjoyed working there.

The virtual vacation scheme certainly provided me with a much better understanding of the company's culture. The presentations indicated the breadth and depth of the company's work. It indicated to me that whilst trainees are given a lot of responsibility and training to complement that, the social side of the firm is also very positive as everyone indicated how they really enjoyed the firm. The fact that everyone was freindly and always open to talking to me indicated the gentle and supportive culture of the firm.

The content of the work provided to me certaintly affirmed my desire to pursue a career in commercial law. It consildated my existing knowledge that commercial law is all about working on big cases and significant matters across the world. This became evident to me whilst I was working on a competition case spanning EU. Further, the scheme highlighted the collaborative nature of commercial law as I witnessed how teams work together and use problem solving skills to deal with cases.

I was paid £450 per week which amounted to £900 for two weeks.

There were a lot of networking opportunities within the virtual vacation scheme. It was very easy to reach out to anyone, including partners and associates, simply by e-mail or even a message or call on Microsoft Teams. Icons appeared next to each person so you knew whether they were busy but if they were free, everyone was always free to talk. I set up meetings with partners to discuss the work they do in areas I was interested in and they were all happy to take some time to speak to me.

The social events were really good even though it was all virtual. They really allowed me to connect with the other people on the scheme as the social events required discussion with them. The first was a virtual murder mystery event. This was incredibly fun as it allowed everyone to get together and play games together. The other event was a chocolate making event whereby the GR team sent us a kit and we were given a group tutorial on how to make chocolate which was fun and allowed for laughs.

Yes, the pro-bono team indicated the pro-bono work undertaken by everyone.

Yes, the virtual scheme was amazing.