First year scheme attendee Review

Over three days we received insights into the firm’s key practice areas and culture. We had multiple opportunities to network with lawyers around the firm such as our trainee mentors. Spent a day and an afternoon shadowing an associate, which involved completing tasks and being on a client call.

My legal research skills were developed through completing the work set by the associate I shadowed. I also developed my commercial awareness through presentations on corporate and banking. Received invaluable advice from members of graduate recruitment to carry forward to my vacation scheme applications.

We encountered many trainees during the scheme who shared their experiences in the different seats of their training contracts. Learnt about the firm’s business model and some of its technical capabilities that assist lawyers with their daily work. Gained an understanding of the firm’s non-hierarchical culture and truly global presence. I found it particularly interesting learning about how L&W competes with other firms.

The culture was extremely friendly, and completely defeated the stereotype of US firm culture. Lawyers and graduate recruitment were all welcoming, and seemed willing to tell you about the firm and answer questions about it and their experience. The atmosphere was also much less intimidating than I thought it would be, especially because the other people on the scheme were very nice.

This was an invaluable experience which I recommend to anyone interested in commercial law. Over just three days I gained a detailed understanding of the firm as a whole. The time shadowing an associate was particularly enjoyable as I had never experienced trainee tasks at a law firm.

Yes

Keep your written application very clear and simple. Use a STAR approach when answering competency questions and avoid superficial answers for motivational questions during the telephone interview.