Summer Vacation Scheme Review

I spent a week in the Leeds office as part of their Summer Vacation Scheme which is the final stage of the recruitment process for a training contract. I sat with the Employment Team and was exposed to real work including drafting and research tasks. The week included several social events with trainees and partners and I attended an interview during the week for the training contract. The firm held several virtual talks during the week for us to learn about other practice groups and D&I policies. I was able to get involved with the bake sale the office held during the week and attended a workshop Gateley provided to its housebuilder clients. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and I was kept busy with tasks and events. The week was a great insight into life as a trainee at Gateley.

My confidence in interacting with all levels of a law firm has increased as Gateley make you feel comfortable in the office and at social events, encouraging you to ask any questions. My drafting skills have improved as I was able to modify a document from a precedent and receive feedback on this. My ability to research specific points of law has also developed as I needed to do this at several points throughout the week.

We learnt about the role of a trainee solicitor as well as the experiences of paralegals, solicitors, associates and partners at the firm. Everyone was willing to answer any specific questions we had and people were very open and honest about their unique experiences.

The Gateley Leeds office is an incredibly welcoming environment and everyone was keen to chat to us and know our interests to help us further our careers. The office is open but spread across three floors. The office was well attended throughout the week, as were the socials we were invited to attend. Everyone willingly gave up their time to chat to us, during and after work, about anything we wanted to ask. It seems like a fun office to be a part of and you can tell everyone genuinely gets on with each other.

The week was very enjoyable with a wide variety of tasks, events and socials. It is a tiring process and it can be quite intense as you know you are being assessed but no one tries to make you feel that way.

Yes

Be yourself as everyone is so friendly and honest so they appreciate that being reciprocated. Do not be afraid to ask any questions you have or approach people outside of the team you are in as everyone made the time to chat to me. Try and be reflective on the tasks and events you have completed or attended as you go as this will help prepare you for the interview at the end of the week.