First Year Spring Scheme Review

Attended several talks and interactive sessions across the two days. Activities included a team pitch challenge to advertise a product and present to the wider group, a practise analytical interview session with trainees, a commercial awareness scenario activity and a mock jury social event. Talks included application and interview tips, a Q&A with trainees and partners and sessions on the impact of Covid-19 on the firm and technology and innovation within the legal sector.

I think that the pitch session and the commercial awareness session were very helpful in allowing us to gain skills that are useful in commercial law, and particularly in understanding new legal and commercial terminology. The interview practise session was definitely useful for future applications, as the trainees went over a genuine interview example and provided feedback on our answers. We also had lots of opportunities to work in different groups, and since there were only 35 of us on the scheme, we were able to get to know each other and network.

We had sessions with a wide variety of trainees, grad recruitment employees, and lawyers at all stages of their career. The partner who led the opening Q&A session was particularly engaging, answered all of our questions in great depth, and provided a great first impression of the firm. Trainees also seemed genuinely happy to be taking part in the scheme, and we had the chance to ask them questions both with the whole group and in smaller breakout rooms during the interview sessions, meaning we got a realistic view of the firm from all perspectives. Trainees also took the time to send us responses to the questions that weren't asked over email, meaning everyone was able to get the answers they wanted. Overall, every person involved in the programme went above and beyond to explain their role in the firm, and I felt that we got a great overview of the variety of roles available.

The culture of the firm was really emphasised by the trainees in particular as being a place they enjoyed working, with respect for a work-life balance, and which had a more friendly and open culture than similar firms. The general atmosphere of the event was quite relaxed (in a positive way) and the social event and multiple opportunities for work group ensured there was no awkwardness between us. We also had a Q&A session with the firm's diversity networks, which are very well utilised, and the firm seemed to have a genuine interest in inclusivity.

I thought this scheme was fantastic, and after doing several schemes this year, this was easily the best one so far. Although it was only two days long, it had the best interactive and networking opportunities that I have taken part in, each session was well-organised and useful, and I was fully engaged the entire time. I especially enjoyed the pitch task, as we received individual feedback and had plenty time to speak with each other and develop our ideas. The social event was fun and we all had a great time, so I think this was a great and unique addition that helped the scheme stand out. Because there were only 35 of us, this was a fairly small scheme and meant that we could all have our questions answered and genuinely get the most out the scheme. All the employees we came into contact with were friendly, willing to answer our questions, and happy to connect with us, so we got a great sense of the firm culture. We were all invited to interview for a fast-track to the vac scheme AC which was an added bonus. Overall, this scheme was 10/10, completely enjoyable, and there was very little I would change other than maybe making it a day longer.

Yes

Since the application process is largely dependent on the personal statement, make sure you know exactly how each extracurricular activity you mention has helped you developed your skills or added value to your application. It's better to focus on a few activities and go into more depth on these than to only briefly mention lots of activities. I would really recommend this scheme to anyone who likes taking part in more interactive and challenging activities, and wants a more social aspect to their insight.