Vacation Scheme Review

There were lots of opportunities to get involved and gain exposure to all sorts of work. We also went and made cocktails in a club in Bristol, which was really fun.

The two week scheme made it a lot easier to fit in and make contacts in a variety of departments

The two weeks were split between two departments and so two supervisors. The second supervisor was fantastic, he was encouraging and never seemed too busy to talk something over. I really enjoyed working for him as I was able to undertake tasks independently and then discuss them later with him. However my first supervisor seemed a bit rushed and so made it difficult to seek advice.

In the second week I had the perfect workload, as there was always more work to do which I really enjoyed as it gave a lot of exposure. My supervisor even encouraged me to go home when I wanted to stay to work. The first week was a bit slower and I sought out work from other fee earners and trainees.

This varied as in the corporate department the deals are long and complicated and so it is difficult to be responsible for the work. Although it did give an excellent taster of what it would be like to be a trainee in that department. In professional negligence I was given a bit more responsibility, much the same as a trainee, by writing letters and identifying evidence in files.

Many of the tasks I undertook whilst on placement are tasks that we are given on the LPC and so it was great to have the prior experience of using those skills in the real world. Also the soft skills of networking that I gained will be invaluable throughout my career.

This varied from department to department. It was perhaps a bit quite at times due to a lot of fee earners being on holiday. Although everyone at the firm was friendly and willing to have a chat. The trainees were all great and really helpful in giving advice and encouragement.

The work supplied varied between the supervisors, but overall it was organised well, as the trainees took us out for lunch on both Monday's, which was a great opportunity to talk about training at Bond Pearce. (If they take you to the Fat Fig order the chicken wrap because it is huge). We were also able to visit the Bristol office for training, which was interesting to see the different offices and we also went cocktail making.

We were given a lengthy IT tutorial, which was very good, as it gave us the skills to use the software and also tips on how to use microsoft effectively. However this tutorial was on our second day and it would have made more sense to have it on the first day, as on the first day we were asked to undertake tasks that we could have done much quicker having the IT training done. The tasks supplied in the corporate department were excellent to develop a wide range of skills that will be important whilst training.

I failed to secure a training contract for 2014, but I will be trying again for 2015 as it is a great firm to work for.

All the vac schemers got on very well and we were encouraged to meet up, even going for drinks on a Friday (of course, after work).

The pub next door was quite expensive, and I suggested that the trainees should try and get a corporate discount. Travel to the office was a lot cheaper than I expected and far better than London.

The pubs and clubs in Southampton are all very good.

Other than after work drinks and cocktails there was not much to get involved in.