Spring Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed the one week spring vacation scheme at Simmons & Simmons. It was well-organised and informative whilst actually providing students with a clear picture of the everyday routine of working at a law firm.

I was involved in a couple of assignments during which I received my instructions directly from a partner whilst also working closely with my supervisor, who was a newly qualified associate. I felt that my contributions were very valued and actually had some impact on the firm's work.

I received a lot of guidance and support during my vacation scheme. My supervisor was extremely friendly and always willing to answer questions and explain various transactions and concepts to me at any time of the day. The partner with whom I worked was also very friendly and talked me through various aspects of the assignment which she gave to me.

I feel that some of the more significant skills developed in the scheme was time management, organisation and communication, particularly if you had to deal with a number of assignments and were compelled to explain your work concisely to people of senior level.

The vacation scheme was well-structured. It provided plenty of time for the actual work within the divisions and had good informative sessions well-spaced throughout the week.

The general atmosphere was a friendly one and struck a balance between formal and informal. The scheme provided a number of informal networking and social events as well as skills sessions such as contracts and drafting.

They provided a lot of personnel support and time with you. Not only did they provide associates and trainees for sessions such as negotiations and drafting, but they also provide you with informal opportunities to network with people within the firm.

The firm gave me an excellent insight into a full-time role in the firm. I felt that I essentially worked at the firm for one week, since I was very much involved in some of the work undertaken by my supervisor and the division partners.

The insight helped me understand the company culture particularly through the interactions with the people at work as well as through the explanation of the firm's strategy and visions in many of the talks and sessions. In addition, hosting a 'speed networking' session really helped to consolidate my perception of the company culture as being very friendly, open and helpful in their approach.

Prior to attending the vacation scheme, I have already decided to undergo a career at a law firm in the City, so it wasn't particularly clinching in that respect. However, it consolidated my career decision and was much more helpful in providing me with a genuine insight into the daily routine and the work undertaken by the people at Simmons & Simmons.

I was paid for this vacation scheme.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking, particularly with the graduate recruitment team over drinks. The firm hosted two drinks sessions during the week.

The networking / social event opportunities were informal and so the vacation scheme students could really interact with the people at the law firm. I found them extremely helpful, since I asked questions which were not exactly related to the division the people worked in, but nevertheless helped me to build a picture of the firm as a whole.

Yes. Simmons & Simmons is especially focused on pro bono work, such as the Battersea Legal Advice Centre as well as many sports and cultural opportunities.

I would definitely recommend this scheme to a friend. It was extremely interesting, insightful and enjoyable, particularly when you are with very friendly people and tasked with significant work.