Summer Placement Scheme Candidate Review

Our days included a catch up each morning with the graduate recruitment team, talks from associates in different departments, and finally a simulated task from a specific department. During the week we were also scheduled with a check-in talk from our trainee buddy and supervisor. Finally, we had two socials organised during the week, the first was a virtual escape room, and the second was a donut design competition with the firms trainees.

I learnt several new skills from this experience, the tasks we were given each centred on a specific trainee skill. The first was a writing exercise, it required being able to condense information, and communication skills were vital here. The second task required the use of organisational skills to determine which tasks we will handle first as trainees during a working day. We also had to utilise research and presentation skills for other tasks.

It was really invaluable to learn about the breadth of the firms services; from contentious and non-contentious, to transactional and litigation work. The talks were insightful about the role of trainees, associates and partners in the different departments. It was great to learn interesting information about sectors that I had not previously researched. Finally, it was also helpful to discover how the international element of the firms practice plays into each department.

The culture and atmosphere of the firm was lovely, every employee I met virtually was friendly and approachable. They were willing and able to answer all my questions or transfer me to someone who could. It was also great to learn about the support the trainees received and how the firm is very involved in the business development of their trainees.

I greatly enjoyed the insight into the firm. The scheme was organised remarkably well, especially considering it was virtual. We were given a wide breadth of information about the firm and its departments and also encouraged to seek out other employees if we had follow-up questions about their individual talks. Also networking with the other candidates and trainees was invaluable, and the atmosphere was comfortable enough that we could do this effectively.

Yes

I would advice other people applying to the scheme to take advantage of all the opportunities to network and ask as many questions about the firm as you can. The insight is a great opportunity to discover which area of law you are interested in, so asking the presenters of the department talks questions is also helpful.