Vacation Scheme Review

The 2024 Summer Vacation Scheme was a three-week, in-person placement. The Scheme provided experience to candidates in two different areas of law (two weeks in one area and one week in another). The daily tasks consisted of real work, for real clients. The tasks were varied, and they came from different staff, meaning candidates gained exposure to a variety of matters. Graduate Recruitment also arranged several presentations and social events throughout the placement. At these presentations and events, firm representatives provided vast insight into their practice areas, diversity groups, support networks, and many other areas of interest.

Absolutely! One skill I developed concerned drafting. I was asked to draft a services agreement for a major building project. With feedback from one of my buddies, I learned not to be too prescriptive so that a wider range of services could be expected from the service provider within the scope of the agreement. My communication skills were also enhanced. Internal email and messenger communication were key to staying on top of work. With assistance from those around me, I learned how to effectively update my supervisors on progress, which allowed for effective planning of feedback sessions. Additionally, having been involved in many client communications, I learned how to more appropriately address clients when asking for further context on the matter at hand.

Fascinating! It was great to learn just how many roles are available within one firm, including those outside your daily role. For example, learning of the different diversity and inclusion networks which you can get involved with from day one was very encouraging. In terms of work more specifically, it was amazing to see how people in different roles interact with each other to maximise output. For example, there was a knowledge and research team on hand to aid with any research difficulties you may be experiencing. With their expertise, they may be able to share a document with you that you could have spent hours looking for yourself.

The culture was so welcoming. As a placement student arriving at a global firm, I would have been happy to have been given old or replica tasks just as an indication of the daily tasks I could expect to undertake as a trainee at the firm. However, the firm trusted me enough to get me involved in real projects they were working on. This made me feel like a member of the team who had real input into those projects. On top of work, every firm representative I spoke with was more than willing to give up their time, no matter what level they were at. I felt supported with my work, and many people shared some helpful insight over coffees or lunches. One Partner even took me on a 90-minute tour of the City to show me some of the buildings the team had worked on, a true testament to the time the representatives were willing to give.

To the fullest extent possible. Working on real client matters made me feel included. Such real work also made me feel as though my efforts were valued and had the potential to make a difference on a matter which was exciting and motivating. Aside from the work, the firm put on some very enjoyable social and networking events. Even at these less formal events, the firm representatives were genuinely curious about my background, motivations for law, and how I was finding the Scheme.

Yes

The first section on the application form asks for you to write about anything at all. My advice would be to follow the instructions - write about literally anything, as long as you are genuinely passionate about it. I wrote about a sport I enjoy playing. Others I spoke with wrote about dance, music, art, their small business, and many other unique parts of their lives. I think Herbert Smith Freehills do a really good job of employing a diverse cohort, so do not be afraid to show your passion. I worried, myself, about needing to shoehorn in some commercial awareness or legal update, but this is just not necessary!