Vacation schemer Review

Having done placements before coming to CMS, CMS was by far the best experience I had. There were a number of reasons for this. Firstly the scale of the firm and the type of work I was exposed to. Secondly, the fact that the scheme was so well organised and I really felt as though a huge amount of time and effort had gone into planning it. Lastly, and most importantly - the people. Everyone was so helpful and willing to give me any help or advice I needed.

I felt as though I was doing work which actually needed doing. Although initally I was given work by my supervisor and trainee buddy, throughout the 2 week period more and more people came to me with tasks which they needed doing.

Not only was my trainee buddy and all other trainees where I was sitting extremely helpful, but this was consistent across the firm. Graduate recruitment were always more than willing to answer any of my questions and queries. The secretaries were fantastic for helping me with clerical tasks such as working the printer and phtocopier etc. I went out for lunch with my trainee buddy and other trainees on multiple occasions. This was so valuable as I was able to ask questions about their experiences and hear first-hand what it is like to be a trainee.

I have learnt that the law is totally different in practice to how it is when you study it at law school. My law degree is very theoretical and what I have appreciated from this week is that there is so much more to think about in practice than the legislation and precedent.

The scheme's structure was faultless. There were at least 2 talks scheduled every day to give us an insight into different departments and what a career in that department would be like. There were also multiple workshops organised which were beneficial for me to develop my presentational abilities, research skills and negotiation skills. We were handed an itinerary on the first day which meant that throughout the 2 week period I was aware of where I should be and at what time - at no point was I sat doing nothing!

The atmosphere in the office was fantastic. I can't praise the people highly enough! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming but at the same time the office environment was serious and people were clearly working hard. From day one I felt welcomed and as part of the team - I didn't feel as though I was treated as a vacation schemer - I felt as though I fitted in!

There were a number of workshops scheduled throughout the 2 weeks. I had the opportunity to improve my presentational abilities and negotiation skills. Generally, in the office, I was given a vast amount of responsibility and therefore learnt to draft documents, proof-read documents and gained an indepth insight into the real estate group.

I think that, as much as 2 weeks can give you, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at CMS and I don't feel as though I was sheltered from what life would be like as an employee here. I was able to share an office with a parnter in my first week and a senior asociate in my second and so quickly saw and understood how the day-to-day work in a law firm operates.

Having attended social events with graduate recruitment and trainees I quickly understood the culture. Also, I think there is no better way to understand and appreciate the culture than being part of it and sat in the office. The culture is unique - employees work extremely hard but also are human! Everyone is extremely approachable and willing to answer any questions. Also, there was not a single person that I came across who I thought 'I wouldn't share an office with them'- which I think is testament to the firm's culture.

Having intially thought that a career in real estate was not for me - this insight opened up my mind the the possibility of it. I found the work interesting and attending a client meeting was especially invaluable as I got to see how a negotiation works in practice.

Social events were attended by trainees who we were free to talk to and ask any questions we had. We were also encouraged to internally network and meet up with people in departments which we thought we might have an interest in working in.

There was a good balance of social events. I especially enjoyed the cocktail making in the first week. We then had 2 events scheduled for the 2nd week. The only thing I woudld say is that it might be beneficial to have an event with the other vacation schemers earlier on in the first week to get to know people a bit better and break the ice!

We had a talk on Corporate Social Responsibility and got to understand all the work employees can do outside of working hours. I discovered a lot about extra events from talking to people in my department, however there was no specific talk on sporting events/social events etc.

This 2 week scheme was by far the best scheme I have done. It was really well organised, I felt as though the work I was doing was valued, the atmosphere in the workplace was amicable and I felt relaxed from day 1.