Vacation Scheme Student Review

I gained a real insight into SH as a medium sized leading city law firm. I experienced a broad range of work from trainees to partners and enjoyed the responsibility of conducting live work.

Everyone at SH is friendly and approachable. Based on my other placement schemes, this is a unique quality. I felt valued as I was trusted with real work and supervisors took the time to discuss in depth any feedback with me. I also enjoyed meeting a wide range of staff within the firm which is facilitated through its open planned offices but more so by SH's friendly culture.

The guidance and support I received was excellent. I conducted work for partners, associates and trainees who regardless of their packed diaries, managed to clearly instruct me and offered constructive feedback throughout my scheme. I received praise when I had done a task well which was greatly appreciated and ensured I felt a member of the team from the first day of my vacation scheme.

The skills I have developed through my scheme and the insight gained into SH as a leading law firm and business will be invaluable in my future work experience and studies.

The vacation scheme was structured very well. On my first day, I received a schedule which outlined the various talks and exercises throughout the week. Helpfully, when I reached my computer, my diary and all the events had been synced so I was able to keep track of all the events going on. Such a small thing as this really makes a difference on such a busy two weeks! Overall the insight included departmental talks where the presenters were animated and allowed us to ask numerous questions. This really put everyone on the scheme at ease and allowed me to gain a real insight into SH's excellent working environment.

Everyone was incredibly helpful and friendly. As SH only recruit 8 people per scheme, all the departments I sat in were very welcoming and knew where I was sitting so I managed to network and meet most of the department within a short time period. This is unique to SH and made my scheme very enjoyable.

Through the structure talks regarding the departments and a presentation from SH's CEO Sharon White I feel the firm invested heavily in my training and development over the scheme.

The insight allowed me to build up a clear picture of who SH are as a law firm and business as well as a place to work. I feel the scheme has been crucial to developing my understanding of what it would be like I was a trainee in the future. The insight gained through the scheme has confirmed SH as the law firm I want to train and begin my career.

As previously mentioned, the scheme's organisation and content allowed me to gain a clear understanding of SH's open and friendly culture.

I was paid very competitively on my scheme at SH.

Due to Sarah and Lucy's diligence in ensuring that all the firm knew we were attending on a vacation scheme, I feel I have met a wide range of different members of staff within the firm. I have been exposed to very senior members of the company such as Sharon White which was excellent and a very unique experience on a vacation scheme. Overall, I felt very including within the firm for my two week placement and I would highly recommend SH to anyone thinking of applying.

We had a social event on each week. The first was a relaxed networking event with the trainees and the second was a bowling and dinner evening with the trainees. They were both really fun!

We were told about lots of opportunities from a choir, regular yoga sessions to touch rugby and netball. The variety of other opportunities to conduct outside of the office greatly appeal and advocate the firm's culture of ensuring you have time outside work to do things you enjoy.

I would recommend the scheme to anyone considering working for a leading medium sized international law firm whose culture is genuine and friendly.