Winter Vacation Scheme Participant Review

The scheme lasted a week. It involved a research task for the week, whereby I was learning more about a specific part of the law in the practice area I was sitting within. This was really enjoyable and allowed me to learn more about a niche and procedural part of law I would not come across in my studies. I was also able to network with and speak to a number of people at the firm where I was able to learn more about the firm, its culture and their individual practice areas and stories. Furthermore, I was also able to take part in real tasks and help individuals that work at the firm within my practice area which was enjoyable as I got to learn more about the typical trainee work partaken in that specific practice area.

I have developed a number of skills and learnt more skills whilst at the firm. I was able to develop my confidence and communication skills in speaking to new people and learning more about their experiences. Furthermore, I was able to learn new ways of legal research, and learn about new resources as well as develop existing legal research skills. However, I’ve been able to learn more about how this occurs practically instead of academically which was very exciting.

It was incredible - it was a very insightful, helpful and really enjoyable experience. I was able to learn more about Latham & Watkins, its practice areas, its culture and most importantly, its people, which is the thing that attracted me most to the firm after partaking in a first year scheme. Furthermore, I was able to learn more about the role of a trainee, the trainee path and how the firm looks at developing trainees as well as supporting them throughout the journey.

It was very warm, welcoming and insightful. I really enjoyed my week at the firm. The fact that so many people at the firm, from trainees to associates to counsel and partners, were willing to take time out of their day to speak to me and learn more about their experiences, their time at the firm and their practice areas was a clear indicator of the firm Latham is. I can’t speak more highly about the experience I have had at the firm, from the structure of the scheme, the tasks we were doing, the experiences with the firm, the firm’s culture and atmosphere.

I thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme - it was a week-long scheme where I learnt so much more about the firm, its culture and its people. The enjoyment I had on the scheme with the other vacation schemers cannot be understated. It was incredibly fun, including both the socials and networking as well as the work. Being able to take part in work that is meaningful and interesting is incredibly significant and is part of the reason I enjoyed the vacation scheme so much.

Yes

My biggest tips would be to be yourself and be specific to the firm, which as someone who has submitted a number of applications has heard from many firms before. When one gets to interview and assessment centre stage, the firm really wants to know more about you, how you would fit into its culture and why the firm. Being honest and enthusiastic is incredibly important. At application stage, it is all about being specific to Latham & Watkins - why the firm, why commercial law and why you would choose to train at the firm over another firm. Research is very important and knowing your own personal reasons for why the firm.