Vacation Scheme - Prospective Trainee Solicitor Review
by Walker Morris
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
3.9
-
The Company
4.1
-
The Culture
4.3
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
The week was enjoyable overall, but particularly the social events with trainees. We had a drinks evening on the Wednesday, and all the trainees were really friendly and open to questioning!
I felt that my contributions were valued, although I had a few research tasks, and because I hadn't studied law I couldn't really tell colleagues anything they didn't already know.
I was given a good amount of support, and my supervisor took time to explain tasks, and to offer suggestions for improvement on the work I handed in.
It was fairly busy, but I wasn't swamped with work, so it was about the right balance. It would have been difficult not to feel busy because of the other workshops and talks going on, as well as time being spent in the department.
I was given about the right amount of responsibility. I got to sit in on meetings, and carry out other task that members of the team relied upon.
The skills I developed will really help me in my studies and beyond. In general, I got a good feel for what it's like to work in a law firm, and there were also other workshops (such as a negotiating workshop run by the College of Law), which will help me in the future.
The Company
Our office was really lively, with lots of different people going in and out. This was good, because it gave me the chance to meet lots of new people.
The placement was very well structured, with just about the right amount of time assigned to working in the department.
The supervisors took time to explain how work could be improved, and the skills sessions showed that the firm did invest in us.
Company Parties/Events
Very appealing. After talking to trainees, and having departmental presentation by trainees, I got a good feel for what it would be like to work at the firm.
The Culture
Yes. People were always up for having lunch together. We had an arranged drinks evening on one of the nights, but also arranged to go out with the trainees on the last night.
As it is based in the middle of a city, it was expected that it wouldn't be cheap, but it's not unreasonable either.
As the firm is based in a city centre, there was plenty going on.
Yes, we had a few events arranged in the evening, however as it was only for one week, and we were all fairly tired at the end of the day, we were quite limited.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
Yorkshire and Humberside
June 2012
