Vacation Scheme Review

Day-to-day tasks were unpredictable - in the sense that you were faced with new challenges every day. In my time, I was assigned a number of problem solving tasks for senior associates and partners, involving contract disputes or lack of clarity in regulation and legislation. I took time each day to meet with my supervisors and discuss what I could be doing to improve my work but also recognise what was going well. Additionally, I took time getting to know the firm, chatting to various people of all levels to gain insight into my areas of interest. Grad Recruitment also hosted a series of insightful workshops on things affecting the legal profession, such as AI, or developments in specific areas of law.

I developed my application of legal knowledge, and problem solving ability. The vac scheme is also great for developing time management skills and learning where tasks should be prioritised. The vac scheme also did wonders for my people skills - something which caused me great stress at the start of the scheme, as I am very anxious and unsure of how to approach people. By the end of the two weeks I was networking with everyone.

People are very happy to talk to you about what they do in the business. The openness in communication and friendly feel of the office gives way to great opportunities to develop your understanding of what working for the firm feels like. Grad Recruitment sessions are also fantastic for offering insight into areas that you possibly wouldn't have considered previously. I felt I left the vac scheme with a well-rounded knowledge of what areas the firm works in and progression routes.

The general atmosphere was very relaxed, which I found quite strange for a legal office. There's a number of high pressure, high tension cases being worked constantly, and yet the atmosphere never felt tense or stressed. People were very happy to work time into their diaries to assist you and develop your understanding regardless of how busy they were otherwise. The company culture seems to be very "people-focused", with great consideration being given for wellbeing of everyone working there.

Having worked with various different firms, this is definitely where I felt most included within the team. There was a good mixture of "filler" tasks (designed to develop skills while not necessarily being of high importance or deadline restricted) and more in-depth "real" tasks. I was made to feel like a valued part of the team from day one. At no point did I feel like I was an inconvenience, or there as "just a summer student" - people genuinely wanted you to make the most of the two weeks, which made the experience significantly more enjoyable.

Yes

Show who you really are! If you have made it to the vac scheme, then they already know that you have the legal knowledge and skills. That's not to say that these aren't important day-to-day, but ultimately the experience is you showing that you're a good fit for their team, and more importantly, that they are a good fit for you.