Mr Review

I spent the fortnight in the Banking Department and left feeling like a valued member of the team.

My supervisor was extremely busy and I had very little contact with her. But, my Trainee Buddy was very friendly and made time to guide me through the fortnight.

Taxis were always waiting on the relevant nights to whisk us away to our biweekly social events. Practice presentations were always well coordinated each morning.

A very strong relationship developed amongst the vacation scheme students during the fortnight, and we have had discussions about staying in contact after the fortnight's end.

We had very informative practice presentations each morning.

I think two weeks was more than an adequate period of time from which to develop an understanding of the firm's warm and friendly culture.

Although it was my first vacation schcme and I have nothing with which to compare it, I have developed a good understanding of the firm's culture. Employees are really friendly and, even though they are at first intimidating, the partners were prepared to make time for a conversation.

I was reimbursed expenses for my first day in London, but not for the following 9 days in the Birmingham office.

We had a partner lunch at a swanky restaurant, attended by three partners, and there were a number of social events, attended by all in the legal hierarchy.

We played in an inter-law firm rounders tournament on the evening of the first Tuesday. Even though we lost, it was most enjoyable and the free BBQ was an added bonus.

We had a CSR lunch during which we were told about the firm's work in the local community and for a number of charities. Following the lunch, we were asked to suggest new ways in which Pinsent Masons coud help in the local community and further its CSR goals.

It was a tiring week, but most enjoyable and the only true way to understand a firm's culture is to participate in a vacation scheme.