Summer Vacation Placement Student Review

Each day I had direct contact with all members of a department, from the trainee, to the a solicitor to a partner. I was buddied with a trainee who was in charge of setting me legal tasks, offering me guidance and feedback.

I have developed skills in drafting, research, searching legal registers, negotiating and prioritising legal tasks.

It is the most in-depth experience you will have in understanding the business. My advice would be to talk to as many people as possible, informally or formally. Even 15 minutes out of a busy partner's day is so helpful and at Gateley, no one is going to turn you away or make you feel unwelcome.

This is the shining cherry at the top of the Gateley cake; a business is nothing without its people, and you can tell this is Gateley's priority. The culture is so encouraging, you never feel stupid for asking a question. As a gay man, I never felt myself making myself smaller to 'appease' those around me because of how welcoming the culture and atmosphere is.

A huge extent! Of course you get nervous for these things, but from the first talk with the Training Principle and trainees, I could tell this was going to be an enjoyable week - I actually feel quite sad about leaving!

Yes

You hear it time and time again for a reason: be yourself. Gateley is a firm that encourages and values difference and individuality. The beauty for you is that you will flourish and present your best self when you are just being yourself.