Vacation Student Review

Work hours of 9am - 5:30 pm. Liaised with the wider commercial litigation team on tasks provided. Had access to legal technology to complete these tasks throughout the week. I was also given the freedom to network with other teams and legal professionals to get a feel for the firm’s culture and values. This gave me a well rounded perspective of the firm and day-to-day life as a trainee.

Developed my existing ability to seamlessly join a team, as I was placed in a bigger team of legal professionals than I am used to. I also gained skills in writing to counsel as well as condensing research to be used by associates in response to a pre-action/LBA. This introduced me to the very beginning of commercial litigation processes. I also learned about the CPR rules and how they affect commercial litigation processes.

It was very insightful. The approach I took was quite well rounded, as I looked at speaking with key lawyers in key practice areas, but also spoke with people in different diversity networks to really immerse myself in the variety provided by the firm. I was very lucky to be placed in the litigation team, as it is the area that I have always had a liking to. Getting experience here is therefore invaluable.

The culture was amazing as it was extremely welcoming and tolerant. As a practicing Muslim, I was able to pray throughout the day and also use the facilities provided. Alongside my research and chats with members of the FREE network, the firm felt like it was extremely open and championed diversity in a way I have never seen before in a law firm.

I enjoyed it fully. I felt accepted and valued from the moment I had met my team. I was provided with intellectually stimulating tasks which provided me with a well rounded experience in a pracrice area that I have always been interested in. At the end of the placement, my supervisors made sure to thank me for the work that I had done throughout the two weeks. This made me feel appreciated and fulfilled.

Yes

Tips would be to genuinely be yourself as the firm loves to see uniqueness and is very accommodating towards it. Trying to be proactive as much as possible from the application stage till the end of the vacation scheme is key to succeeding. For example, being proactive in remaining commercially aware.