Winter Vacation Scheme Student Review

We were provided with a comprehensive timetable for each day. The structure involved mornings of engaging with talks from different practice groups or senior partners (including the global managing partner) of the firm. We then spent the afternoons on our group research and presentation challenge or assisting our trainer associate. My trainer fully involved me in drafting research notes and attending calls for his cases, and was keen to provide helpful feedback and support.

My time spent on departmental work developed my skills in assimilating information and crafting legal arguments. My understanding of the broader legal industry was also improved after being able to ask questions to the senior partners of the firm, which received very shrewd and open responses. Working with my fellow vacation scheme students on the group project involved talking to an array of employees, thereby improving my interviewing and communication skills.

We listened to a clear talk about progression through A&O and how we can advance through the firm. More importantly though, talking with a complete cross-section of the firm about their paths and experiences built up a strong appreciation of how what the career entails and how the firm operates.

I was struck by the open nature of the firm. Every employee seemed totally comfortable to talk about their experiences and equally passionate about their work. We were offered the opportunity to talk to representatives from the support networks of the firm (A&Out, Social mobility, etc) and look in depth at a pro bono case study. There is clearly an expectation of high-performance focussed work, but the support and employee-enthusiasm matches it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Although it was only a short placement, I felt all the time was used to full effect and we were offered an immersion into the culture and daily work of the firm.

Yes

The main sifting stage is the application form and SJT. I recommend familiarising yourself with the SJT format, as well as reading through all of the firm's information on the graduate recruitment pages that details what they are looking for. This will best enable you to succeed in the assessment (and ensure the firm suits you!).