Winter Vacation Scheme Review

Day-to-day, we would have presentations in the morning from different practice areas from across the firm or inspiring speakers, followed by time spent on live deals and cases with our own trainer. There would often be social events in the evenings, giving the opportunity to speak to other vacation schemers, the graduate recruitment team and partners from across the firm. There was also an ongoing Innovation project in a team, which we presented on at the end of the week.

I have built my team working and presentation skills through the innovation project. I have also gained exposure to real work through time spent with my trainer which built my initiative and attention to detail.

It was really interesting to hear from speakers which gave me a flavour of different departments from across Allen & Overy, for example Intellectual Property and Healthcare Transactions.

It was amazing. Everyone I spoke to across the firm, from partners to trainees, were so lovely and happy to help with any questions about the firm or their day-to-day working experience. The graduate recruitment team created a really relaxed and non-competitive atmosphere during the vacation scheme as there was a place for everyone on the training contract.

I really enjoyed the insight. There was a great variety of time spent doing real work, hearing inspiring talks from people from within and outside the firm (including the managing partner) and networking during social events. We also were assigned a trainee buddy who helped us settle in.

Yes

Use Jake Schogger's Commercial Law Academy Handbook to prepare for the case study interview. For the scenario-based interview, don't worry too much about your previous experience as they allow you to focus a lot on how you would behave if you were put in a certain situation if you can't think of an example. They are looking for potential, not the finished product. Try to relax and be yourself.