Vacation Scheme Participant Review

Overall, the vacation scheme at Dentons provided a valuable overview of their practice areas and the implementation of their core values. The scheme consisted of an introductory day in which participants received information on different areas of Dentons. The remainder of the week was based in different practice areas in which tasks were given on a daily basis. Finally, the week ended with a group exercise in which a presentation was to be delivered.

My organisation and time-management skills greatly improved due to being given several tasks on a daily basis which, due to the nature of the scheme being online, had to be completed within the same day. This also required working around scheduled meetings with our supervisors and lunchtime webinars. My drafting skills and legal research skills also developed and supervisor oversight and feedback was key to this.

The lunchtime seminars and introductions given by different teams in Dentons was key to understanding about the business. This was really important to gain a better understanding of how Dentons implements its key values and how they operate in practice. This was also valuable in getting a better understanding of the culture at Dentons and receiving such detailed information about the different opportunities within the training contract was an important motivating factor.

I found the atmosphere at Dentons extremely welcoming and inclusive. All levels of leadership, including the trainees and supervisors ensured a high level of contact with regular meetings scheduled throughout the day. Global leaders also made sure they were accessible to vacation scheme participants which ensured this culture was felt throughout Dentons. Social events for participants were also organised which created a comfortable atmosphere outside of working hours also.

The insight was extremely enjoyable, both in terms of the scope of work which I was offered and in terms of the contact we had with trainees and leaders. Working on real transactions was great for giving a real insight into Dentons clients and work and the teams I had experience in were welcoming and offered a great amount of their time to answer any questions I had.

Yes

In terms of the interview process, ensure you have done research on the firms practice areas and clients which will give a good indication of whether you will enjoy their work once on the vacation scheme. Once there, I would try to ask as many questions and get to know the culture of the firm as well as possible. Take notes throughout any meetings that you can refer back to reflect on the week.