Summer Vacation Scheme Candidate Review

I was given tasks by my assigned supervisors and buddy to complete. Tasks included researching information on sanctions for a deliverable, writing a section of a memorandum for a client on new updates and researching for and proofreading a press release by the firm. I also attended training sessions with my supervisors ranging from banking knowledge to business development to sessions on Pro Bono and innovation.

Yes. I developed my writing skills and information retrieval skills as I had to make sure the information I picked out and wrote about were relevant to the client. I also improved my speaking and networking skills during the numerous networking sessions and socials I attended, as I talked to many people at the firm in order to understand working at the firm better. I improved my summarising skills too.

As it was a vacation scheme, the one potential role that the firm was hiring for was made pretty clear (trainee solicitor) what the potential role is. However, I did learn about different seats and the possibility and process of qualifying in those seats. I enjoy understanding about the business too and getting to know the firm better through the my supervisors and buddy and through informal coffee chats with people at the firm.

The company culture is helpful and friendly in a genuine way. The open plan office really helps create this atmosphere as I can see that associates are not afraid of talking to partners, so it does not feel as bureaucratic and strictly hierarchical which I like. Everyone was very open to my questions and would thank me for my help which I appreciate.

I enjoyed it a lot. Besides everyone being so patient and friendly, I really got to learn what working at the firm is like and how the different departments work together as I was able to do live tasks and attend team meetings. No one was afraid to show me things or hide things from me so I really felt included as part of the firm, which is what made it so authentic to me.

Yes

Be specific to the firm. Talk to the people there by messaging via LinkedIn or attending firm events. Some selling points about Dentons includes its polycentric model, its large international presence and its commitment to innovation so these are some things to explore as a start. There is no time limit to preparing for the video interview questions so don’t rush into it and structure your answer well before you start the timer.