Vacation Placement Student Review

Very good insight into the work of a trainee solicitor. I was involved in the same tasks that the trainees were working on and given the chance to sit in on important meetings, conference calls and briefings

I was continuously asked for my opinions on ongoing cases and my work was directly used for the casework/issues that I researched for. I was not asked once to photocopy anything or do other menial tasks

Guidance was provided through a series of talks with senior partners and I was also involved in seat-specific law briefings with other trainees and solicitors of the firm to help with my understanding of particular areas of the law. I was given individual support through supervising partners and associates who gave advice about the firm, trainee life and answered any questions I had. One partner even helped me secure further experience within the two weeks to sit a department I had a strong interest in, but which was not available for the vacation scheme

I am finding that the skills I learnt and the experiences I was given helped me relate to what working as a trainee solicitor will entail. I am currently on my LPC course and much of what I am learning directly reflects the tasks that I was given to complete on the vacation scheme

I was given two weeks to sit in four different departments. Alongside this there were a number of talks provided with senior partners and trainee solicitors, as well as organised lunches and a social event one evening.

This firm is particularly known for its friendly culture and this was evident throughout all departments and at all levels, from administration staff and paralegals through to the partners. Everyone I came across was approachable and down-to-earth, which provided for an extremely comfortable and relaxed, but hard working environment

I was able to gage what a full time role as a trainee solicitor would be like, as I was involved in the same trainee tasks that they were working on, as well as gaining an insight into further roles such as associate solicitor and partner

The vacation scheme gave me a valuable insight into the firms culture, which was consistently friendly and inclusive throughout various departments, different levels and across offices

Alongside the organised networking opportunities, I was continuously being introduced to other solicitors of the firm

Lunches with trainees and senior partners and an evening event with both London offices gave me plenty of networking opportunities

I have already recommended this vacation scheme to friends!