Vacation Scheme Student Review

- Sitting in on team meetings across different practice areas. - Completing trainee-style tasks - these ranged from research-based tasks, pro-bono work, writing concise summaries for journal publications, and proof-reading. - Networking opportunities - some more informal (for example, having coffees with various members of the firm), to organised sessions with partners across different practice areas. - Opportunity to meet and socialise with fellow aspiring trainees.

- Legal research skills - eg how to use sites like WestLaw and LexisNexis. - Expectations for presenting legal research in a concise format - for example, having an executive summary at the start of the document signposting the key findings for the reader. - Technological skills - eg how to track changes on a document when proof-reading on word. - Networking skills

- Learned that variety of roles within a law firm is more diverse than I expected. - Gained insight into all the roles that work alongside solicitors in a law firm - eg Ashurst risk advisory team, technology team. - Gained insight into multiple pathways into a law firm - apprenticeship schemes, paralegal route etc. - Clear that commerciality has become increasingly important to Ashurst and the firm remaining competitive.

- Exceptionally warm - Complete lack of hierarchy - felt like I could approach and speak to anyone in the firm (regardless of whether they were a trainee or a partner) and they would make time for me. - More casual than I expected - eg "dress for your day" rule with trainees.

Overall, I loved my vacation scheme. Admittedly, there were times when I felt a little overwhelmed, or second guessed whether I was "good enough". However, my supervisors were always quick to reassure me and ensured that I felt really supported throughout the whole experience. I felt very lucky to be able to gain a firsthand insight into the culture of the firm, and see for myself that it is the right fit for me.

Yes

- Speak to as many people as you can at the firm to gain a sense of the culture / reality of working there before you apply. - Thoroughly research Ashurst Advance and the firm's Risk Advisory arm, as this is becoming a progressive focus for Ashurst and its future development, and is pinpointed in applications. - Research Ashurst's key practice areas and the work they're currently doing. For example, Ashurst has particular strengths in Finance and Energy/Projects. - Don't write anything in your application that you cannot talk about thoroughly, or are not actually interested in.