Vacation Scheme Review

I thought it was extremely enjoyable and was well structured.

I was provided with good feedback on my work and understood where it fit into the general work of the practice area. I was thanked for this and also kept updated about the progress of the particular case or project I was working on. I was also asked to join training sessions with the team and to sit in on the weekly huddle, and even to present my work in this.

Even in a busy working environment people took time out to talk to me and ensure I was busy. My trainee buddy was extremely good at ensuring I was always busy and was never out of my depth. I was also surprised by how other members of the team made themselves available if I needed help or support and how they looked to find me work consistently throughout the 2 weeks.

I felt a real effort was made to provide me with a real range of experiences and to develop my insight into as many areas of work as possible. I was supplied with small tips on how to make my work more relevant and easier to process for more senior lawyers which will be extremely useful going forward.

I thought it was very well structured. Being part of one team for two weeks allowed you to settle in and feel part of the team. All the fixed events like presentations and social events were placed well so they didn't interfere with work and you could relax during them. The formal assessments were also spaced nicely across the 2 weeks so that they didn't all come together.

The atmosphere seemed very good during the insight. Everyone was friendly and polite and was very eager to help. Even partners would time aside to sit down and talk to you, which I'm not sure would have happened if it wasn't an open plan office. You were never under any illusions that you were not being assessed but I still felt comfortable and welcome in the environment. It did confirm to me that it would be a pleasant place to work.

It is difficult in two weeks to really invest in training or development. That being said, everyone in the team did their best to give tips and to provide work that would give you a range of experiences. In terms of more formal training I was invited to 3 separate training sessions and would have felt welcome to attend them if I had the time. Unfortunately, I was busy during each of them. However, formal training and development opportunities were limited- as you would expect.

I thought it was a very good insight into what working at the firm would be like. HR, trainees and other lawyers were keen to ensure that you understood the nature of a trainees' work. My trainee buddy tried her best to get me involved in all the work she was doing, as well as my own work. It didn't seem like I was only being presented with easy and interesting work. The other trainees were candid about their experiences which was valuable.

The two week period helped me confirm what I already thought about the firm and its culture. It was really encouraging to come into the firm and find people who all seemed to have a common ambition for the firm and who were very friendly and respectful towards eachother.

I felt through providing a very honest and engaging two weeks I got a very strong insight into the firm and the career.

I was paid £250 per week over 2 weeks.

There were drinks and social events where you got to meet trainees in other areas of the firm which was extremely useful. The presentations in the morning from other practice areas also meant that you could recognise other people around the firm. If you were willing to look for it yourself it was quite easy to find work in other practice areas too. The Hub is also a great place to meet people.

There were several drinks events with other trainees and trainees attended the social events. There were several opportunities to meet partners and the presentations were also good for meeting other lawyers.

The corporate responsibility was really well sold by anyone who talked about it within the firm. There were also some events that were being organised within the team I was in which was encouraging.

I certainly would.