Vacation Scheme Student Review

The whole scheme was incredibly engaging and I really enjoyed myself. The Mondays and Fridays were focused on presentations from different areas of the firm including Pro Bono, D,E&I and practice area talks such as from the ICM department. Tuesday- Thursday involved interning in our respective departments (which was banking for me). My trainer was excellent and involved me in client calls, research tasks and drafting a client advice email!

I definitely learnt new skills and developed existing skills. I learnt how to be more creative in my presentation skills when doing the group project and we presented using role play. I also developed my existing skills of written and spoken communication when drafting a client email and presenting a research briefing in a written format alongside enhancing my spoken communication when networking and presenting the group task.

It was incredible insightful to learn more about the trainee solicitor position which we were all aspiring for. We had structured Q&As and presentations on this as well as the opportunity to have plenty of coffee chats with trainees who we could learn from. We also learnt about how Solicitors as the firm could be involved in a range of different areas such as technology with FUSE as well as pro bono.

The company culture was so welcoming and inclusive. It was quite intimidating to start working at the firm but all of the people including my trainer were excellent at breaking down difficult concepts! I was also part of the REACH scheme which was a mentorship programme for people from ethnic minority backgrounds. My mentor was so kind and supportive and the lunch and learn session really helped us to feel included.

I really enjoyed the insight. The scheme was an excellent balance of practical work, insight presentations and social events. I really felt like a member of the banking department I was placed in and was introduced to the whole team and participated in their regular routine such as training sessions and catch up meetings. The socials were also really creative and included an escape room! The presentations were also super interesting.

Yes

I think definitely have confidence with your application. Everyone experiences imposter syndrome but the firm really just wants to see who you are as a person. Take an interested in commercial affairs and talk to people who have applied and those working there for advice. Try and attend as many A&O insight events as possible.