Student Review

The three weeks were tiring but thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

There was definitely a concerted effort made in the department I was in to make you feel like a valued member of the team. I was delegated tasks that were useful to my supervisors' work such as researching points of law or contacting potential expert witnesses rather than just shuffling paper around or moving boxes.

Extensive support network from buddies, supervisors, fellow summer scheme students and even IT training support if needed in Sheffield.

I don't think I am quite at the standard of a practicing commercial litigator just yet - but I have found the scheme to be a really useful exercise.

Doing three weeks in a single department seems like the best possible way to do a vacation scheme. Training was comprehensive and only took a couple of days, which left plenty of time to really get into the departmental work before the scheme is over.

Excellent atmosphere which resounded from trainees, associates and partners alike.

Training was comprehensive and went beyond the bare minimum that would have been needed to undertake a summer scheme. The networking skills session in particular was a highlight.

The staff all seemed very honest in their comments about the nature of working at the firm and my experience sitting in the department reflected this impression.

There was definitely a genuine ethos about the firm which I really liked.

Valauble to someone who is already set on becoming a commercial solicitor in choosing which firm is the best place for them.

Decent renumeration.

There was an excellent variety of networking opportunities during the three weeks and we were introduced to people on all levels throughout the firm. In particular, it was great to meet the same faces of some of the employees at more than one event. This enabled you to generate an interesting rapport with them - as opposed to having 100 conversations lasting no longer than a handshake and a 5 minute chat about your department.

We had a Partner Dinner (with a deconstructed cheesecake), bowling, karaoke and various drinks events in the evening which were great. There were also breakfast presentations put on at various intervals (which I know wern't really socials) but they were absolutely awesome.

The employees really involved us in outside activities. We were invited to the Battle of The Bands, a corporate fundraiser for the Alzheimers Society in the first week. I also played touch rugby with the rest of the guys (and girls) in my department which was a great way to get to know everyone close to the start.

I found this all together to be a really great experience. I would also add that I am the type of person who is prepared to give criticism where it's due (as opposed to mindlessly clicking 10 gold stars for every question like a robot). I would absolutely recommend the scheme to anyone who is interested in applying.