Vacation Scheme Student Review

The work was varied and challenging and the people made a huge difference, making me feel really welcome and part of the team.

Everyone in the team really seemed to believe in my abilities and give me challenging work accordingly. I was given real work that a trainee solicitor would normally have responsibility for. The people made me feel like part of the team, even though I was only there two weeks.

My supervisors were absolutely great. They were constantly providing guidance on work and insights into what life as a trainee in a commercial law firm is really like. I never felt like I was bothering them by asking questions and they always seemed very happy to help and pass on their expertise.

I felt like I always had work to do but was never overwhelmed by the amount of work. I never had to stay stupidly late to finish tasks and often when it got to 5.30pm I was hustled out of the door and told to go home and rest! I had plenty of time and opportunities to take breaks and speak to various people about different aspects of the job which was really helpful

I was given a variety of task, some of which involved much more responsibility than others but this created a good balance. Obviously with law everything that is done is important to a certain extent as it is the basis of something that must be built on so must be correct and in this way there was a lot of responsibility during the placement.

I know the work I was given is the work that a real trainee would be given in a commercial law firm. It has helped me identify more clearly the skills necessary to be a commercial lawyer and really work on and improve these skills.

Despite the office being very busy and everyone having a lot of work on everyone was still chat and often talking about random subjects including: Kate Middleton's Wimbledon attire, the benefits of kindles, 50 shades of grey and the foods not to be eaten on dinner dates! The atmosphere was generally relaxed and everyone is very open, willing to chat and always offering cups of tea!

Before we even started the scheme we knew exactly what departments we would be going into and had a vague overview of the structure of the scheme. On the induction day we were given a detailed timetable so knew exactly what was going on when and where. If there were changes we were quick to be informed by email.

There was interaction with everyone within the firm, including partners who were willing to give up there time to meet and get to know us. My trainee buddy this week spent a lot of time with me and this must have meant he had to work some extra hours. We were given presentations, lasting approximately an hour, giving a detailed overview of the activities of each department; these were put together really well and presented by associates/ partners/ legal directors and a trainee who were always happy to ask questions.

The firm is growing, having recently merged, and employment prospects seem good once you have gained a place within the organisation.

We had two organised social evenings and then drinks each friday which the whole firm could attend. Fellow placement students were all very friendly and we got on well. There was a good balance which you were never bored but equally could get home early some nights and get some work done.

I stayed in student accommodation which was very reasonably priced and in a good city centre location. Socialising in manchester is quite cheap depending on where you go.

I have not had a chance to experience the nightlife but hear it is amazing.

We had presentations about the firm's CR activities and were also told about various sports teams the firm has but never actually had a chance to get involved in them.