Shoosmiths Summer Vacation Scheme Placement Review

Thoroughly enjoyed working with the people and gaining an insight into working as a solicitor and for the firm.

Everyone was so welcoming! It was such a lovely environment to work in. Even people outside of the team would smile and speak to me in passing. It meant that I felt very at ease within the office and showed felt my company as well as work was valued. This was further reflected in the fact that I was invited out for drinks with the team I was working in on two occasions, alongside going for lunch and being invited to the office summer social.

The support given by the firm was great. If ever I had any problems or concerns then people were ready to take time out of their day to reassure me and advise me further.

I was given enough work to keep myself busy throughout most of the week but at times was left asking around for more work. This is something that could not be helped though and not due to he employees lack of willingness to get me involved, just at a few select times there was not much I could aid them with.

I was not given a particularly large amount of responsibility although this is understandable as I have limited experience that could be put to use. Having said this I was given the responsibilities of meeting clients and taking notes in meetings.

I think the skills I developed will be of great use. Gaining the insight into the working of a law firm is an invaluable experience and one which will remain with me for a long time in the future.

General atmosphere was great. The firms personality and culture truly shone through. The lack of heir achy was predominant, making it a welcoming place to work. Everyone seemed to value one another and their contributions and it was a pleasure to witness and be a part of.

The work placement was set up excellently. Prior to starting I was informed of my dates and host and given the opportunity to meet those who I would be working with for drinks. On my first day there was a welcome pack at my desk waiting with clear instructions as to the presentation task that we had been set. The head of graduate recruitment was emailing the other vacation scheme students and myself to again, welcome us and thank us at the end of the week. I could not praise the organisation of the work placement more highly.

Everyone was keen on ensuring that I understood what was going on, explaining things after meetings so that I was up to speed with what they were trying to achieve etc.

After spending the week there I am hoping to get through to the assessment centre, as the final stage of the recruitment process. As much as I hope I made a good impression throughout my time at the firm, I do not believe that my future prospects were greatly enhanced as the competition for the jobs will remain high and there are many more vacation scheme students than training contracts available. However, I would thoroughly recommend the vacation scheme as a way of getting to know the firm above a straight application for a training contract.

The trainee hosts arranged for us to meet up for lunch together on one of the days. Other than that it was left down to us to arrange meeting up for lunch etc which we did when possible although it was difficult not knowing when you would be in meetings.

Very reasonable especially for a city.

The nightlife is quite good. There are various bars and places to go around the offices that seem nice. The main street of clubs in the city is not somewhere where I would choose to go regularly, although being familiar to the city I am aware of many of alternatives.

Went out for drinks within my team on two occasions after work, and for lunch with a group of trainees and the other vacation scheme students. Was also invited to the staff summer social at a local bar which was a great way to end the week, socialising with other departments that otherwise, I would not have had the chance to meet.