Vacation Scheme Student Review

Worked with my trainee and associate supervisors on a variety of tasks at the level of a trainee, to get a feel for the firm. For example, attended and noted client meetings, and then worked through the issues brought up after wards. Drafted letters and other documents, and undertook research for my supervisors. The scheme gave me a fantastic insight into some of the real work I would undertake as a trainee at the firm.

The scheme build up my commercial understanding by having workshops with practising lawyers, giving me a real feel for some of the trends affecting clients of the firm and how lawyers might take advantage of them. The scheme also really improved my communication skills by having me interact with a variety of people, including clients themselves, which tested my ability to change my approach for different people and tested my client-facing skills. Finally, the scheme was very good for improving my teamwork skills, because it necessitated integrating with my team and working together with them to ensure deadlines were met and work was completed effectively and efficiently.

The scheme focused on ensuring an understanding of the role of a trainee and associate solicitor. This was done to an excellent degree by assigning interns with a supervisors over the two weeks, whom were at those respective levels. They all really took the time to engage with the interns, including giving feedback and explaining the context of any work that I did undertake. They clearly cared that interns left with a good understanding of the trainee role and the work of a lawyer more generally.

The firm is very clearly focused on diversity and aims to hire from a variety of universities and from a variety of backgrounds. Moreover, the firm has a big focus on having employees feel comfortable at work, with massive pushes for wellbeing and support. The firm also clearly focuses on recruitment of collaborative team players - every employee I met was more than happy to help me with feedback or to answer questions etc. This also shone through at the socials, where my other interns were really easy to connect with and develop strong relationships with.

The work was top quality, and I was involved in matters that were clearly market leading. I was also given various tasks, some of which were more menial and some of which were more in-depth. All were reflective of the trainee level, however. The people were collaborative and diverse and engaged with the interns. The culture was top-notch and really made me feel like I could be my self. I would absolutely return to work at BCLP.

Yes

Make sure to really engage with the firm prior to applying. Go to an open day, or try to connect with some of the solicitors or graduate recruitment. Also, make sure to really let your commercial awareness shine through as often as you can. Whilst the firm makes sincere and commendable efforts in areas like its culture, it's D&I, and innovation in the profession, ultimately you are applying to be a solicitor - so what is it about the specific work you will be doing at BCLP that attracts you to the firm?