Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review

It was a great 3 weeks! Well run with a great mix of work and social activities, giving me a great insight into life as a solicitor but also allowing me to socialise with the other vac schemers.

I felt like the work I was doing was needed by the firm but there often wasn't a sense of urgency to what I was doing. My department, however, were really welcoming and I felt like on of the team.

There was lots of support, from a trainee buddy to answer all my silly questions, to IT who could fix anything and human resources. I did feel that perhaps the project we were set could have had clearer directions.

I feel that my written skills have greatly improved and that I had moved on from the university-style of written work to a more commercial and business-like style. I also feel that I have mastered more computer skills and will definitely be taken this on with me! Simply talking and communicating with people at the firm has helped me strengthen these skills and I definitely think that these will be useful as I move through my career.

The scheme was really well structured. A good mix of information, work and social activities. We were given enough time to find out feet before we began in our departments and the 3 weeks meant that by the end of it I felt very comfortable with what I was doing and who I was working with. The social activities were also great, a good range, allowing us to let our hair down but also mix with each other and with others from the firm.

There were a few periods were I felt that I had little to do but the atmosphere was always bubbly and there were always people to chat to and never felt on my own.

I did not take part in anything official but I feel that the firm worked hard to bring my skills and abilities up to the appropriate level and ensure that I was able to do anything I was asked for.

The scheme accomplished this brilliantly. I felt like a true part of the team and was included in large amounts of work. I really got a feel for what I would be involved in during my training contract, what work I would be doing, what my hours would be like and what would be required of me. I feel that this was something that the scheme truly excelled at.

The company culture was definitely something I was aware of during my three weeks and both the work and the social activities were good at putting it across. I feel it is something I would understand better if I was to join the firm.

I was paid £275 a week during the scheme. Which has not only comfortably covered my travel expenses but has also given me some spending money to celebrate with!

We had an networking event at the firm where we met interns from two other companies. There were ample opportunities to meet and network with other employees, whether this be through a social event, at lunch, or simply through the work I was involved in every day.

The external event was good but it was the opportunities we had to meet other employees of the firm that really stood out. I felt that I got a real chance to meet and mix with people from all areas and departments of the firm.

We were told about Contact Nabarro, the trainee networking project, the Pro Bono Opportunities, the volunteering, Nabarro Days, the fundraising events, of which we actually attended one. The scheme really tried to make us aware of everything that the firm had to offer in terms of extra curricular activities.

Yes, it was really good. Especially if you want to get a real insight into life at a law firm. Everyone was friendly, it was well organised, there was an enormous range of work and it was a thoroughly enjoyable 3 weeks - whatever shall I do with the rest of my summer?!