Vacation scheme participant Review

A typical day would start at 09:45 and would involve a morning catch-up with two of the future talent team. We would then have a talk for an hour and the chance to ask questions at the end, then we had a 15 minute break. After this, we would have another talk for an hour and then get given a task to do. We would then have a lunch, and two more sessions before having a catch up at the end for 15 minutes. On two days, we had a social starting at 18:30.

I believe that my sector awareness has improved as I come from a non-law background. Also, my teamwork skills have developed as there were a few tasks where we had to work in groups to complete presentations or simply talk to one another. My ability to adapt to different situations and scenarios has also developed as every day was never the same and we were given a variety of work to do in different areas of law. Also, I think I have learnt the skill of talking to different audiences as I was interacting with a variety of people including lawyers, associates and trainees.

We learnt about the variety of work that lawyers do and the type of clients they work with and how this generates business for the firm. We also learnt about the different types of roles that exist in the firm apart from being a partner, associate or a trainee lawyer. Paralegals are in many groups at the firm as well as professional support lawyers. Also roles include members of counsel, consultants and legal researchers.

Everyone at Stephenson Harwood was extremely friendly and welcoming from members of HR to lawyers at the firm. Everyone seemed open to any questions you wanted to ask and also there were many opportunities provided to talk to people in different groups. There seemed to be an inclusive culture, with people from different backgrounds offering their knowledge and expertise.

I enjoyed my insight a lot because of how welcome and valued I was made to feel. From the application to starting the scheme, there was constant involvement of the future talent team. There were also on hand by email or phone to answer any questions or worries you may have had. I learnt a lot not only about the firm and the work they do in this country and internationally, but also the firm's culture and values. It exceeded my expectations and I would go back to the scheme, if I was offered a place

Yes

Be yourself as the interviewers do not try and catch you out but want to see your personality. Prepare well for the assessment centre and research the firm and the main groups that they practice in. Make sure you have questions in mind which you want to know about the firm and also do not feel scared to ask questions.