vacation scheme Review

The vacation scheme at Taylor Wessing was an invaluable experience. I would recommend it to anyone passionate about the firm’s unique work because I got a real chance to experience it. I learned a great deal about the firm, its clients and the business world through the approachability of all solicitors and the supportive atmosphere.

I felt greatly valued because I was given extensive responsibility and felt as if I made a worthwhile contribution to the Taylor Wessing team. The firm treats vacation scheme students as extra trainees and the latter are assigned great responsibility. Through very diverse tasks I got considerable client exposure and was even asked to complete information on original documents. Moreover, I was trusted with proofreading, data verification and creating lists of documents to be signed or completed. I was also assigned research on points of law to be used by senior lawyers the same day. Another highlight of the scheme was getting involved in business development through a group presentation and research in foreign jurisdiction.

I was explained the background to any task I was assigned. I would often be given an introduction to the relevant law unless my task was to research it. I was further guided as to how and where to find the information required to complete a task. Any follow-up questions were also welcomed. For instance, one of my tasks involved verifying share subdivision by a client. My buddy explained what the process of subdivision involved, how to find the relevant form required by Companies House and how to request it from the firm archives. I was fully prepared to accomplish the task in practice. I was asked to draft an email and was later given very insightful feedback on my reply. All the tasks I was given followed this pattern, regardless of whether they were assigned by a trainee or a partner. This allowed me to learn a lot, develop skills and be trusted with more responsibility.

The experience I gained through the research tasks I was assigned would help me in my future education. I learned of several new databases, how to use them and how to quickly find relevant information. The variety of tasks and the extent of responsibility I was given would provide me with a necessary skills base at the beginning of a training contract. My experience would help me to learn more quickly and be trusted with responsibility sooner.

I was kept busy through the scheme. At no point was I wondering what I am supposed to do or simply waiting for the end of the day. During the day I was either busy with department work or at a practice area presentation. Any extra activities (socials, Pro Bono and group presentations) were well scheduled so as not to deprive us of any opportunity to experience the work of the solicitors.

Here I am not giving full stars only to emphasise the high quality of the work that I was given during the scheme. It was not all about networking and social events but completing real tasks and experiencing what life at an international firm is like. The firm strikes a perfect balance between friendliness and professionalism. Meanwhile, the social events were diverse and great fun. All gave an opportunity to network with people from the firm and the other students. In addition to the general events many of us got invited to department events which personally made me really feel like part of the team. It was great to get to know so many interesting people.

I felt that the firm invested a great deal in my training. All the tasks I was assigned required solicitors to take off their valuable time to give me guidance and feedback. Considering the amount of the tasks I was given, I am more than satisfied with the attention I was given.

Since I was given real work and great responsibility I genuinely experienced life at an international law firm and greatly enjoyed it.

As already mentioned everyone was very approachable and I could ask any questions I had. This did help me to get to know many people at the firm and experience the real atmosphere. The experience confirmed everything I had read and heard about the great friendliness of the firm, balanced with professionalism.

I was paid sufficient amount per week. It was the generally accepted pay for vacation schemes.

Due to the variety of the social events I had an opportunity to meet employees from a variety of positions (graduate recruitment, partners, trainees and associates) accoss most of the firm's practices.

As already mentioned the social events were varied and very pleasant to attend. Their nature allowed for networking while having fun. They did help students feel as part of the firm but also build collegiate atmosphere between the students themselves.

I learned that there are a lot of department specific events organised annually in addition to any firm-wide events. Moreover, there are several sports clubs.

I would recommend the scheme because it gave me an opportunity to experience first-hand the unique work of the firm.