Vacation Scheme Review

As an experience as a whole, the vacation scheme could not have been more enjoyable.

Everyone in the departments were enthusiastic to meet us and treated us as individuals.

My trainee buddy particularly gave me extensive support throughout the placement. There was also an opportunity to talk with them or the grad recruitment team on an issue whenever throughout the 3 weeks.

The opportunity to diversify my communication skills will be something that I can adapt to any future workplace. Developing my multi tasking through the everyday work we were given will similarly be a versatile skill I can take into other areas of studying.

The placement was very well structured balancing work and social events. Although there were a lot and the days were long, this was fully enjoyable. The only change would possibly be to balance out the social events more so across the second/third week but this is only a minor improvement.

Despite being an exhausting 3 weeks, everyone at the firm and on the placement remained energetic and enthusiastic. I was amazed at how everyone was so easy to get on with and how there was no sense of hierarchy or competition between us. The atmosphere was so supportive and inclusive that it made it difficult leaving at the end.

We were trained extensively in terms of office skills.

I certainly got a taste for the atmosphere, routine and lifestyle of the firm and how easy it is to adapt to it. I feel we did get a feeling of the work we may be involved with but understandably there was only so much related work they could give us, given our little experience.

We got an invaluable insight into the workings of the firm because of how inclusive everyone made us feel and because of the extensive interactions and involvements with the different areas of the office.

I was paid a good amount, especially as I did not have to pay accommodation costs by staying with family.

Everyday we were introduced to new people and exposed to a new department - there were so many opportunities it is impossible to remember all the people we spoke to!

The social evening events with the other vac schemers were perfectly planned - they gave a real opportunity to get to know your peers on a relaxed and collaborative level. I wouldn't change any of the social events. The networking events were similarly useful to meet other members of the firm and I would also not change anything.

We were told a lot about their CSR and pro bono policy which was extensive and exciting to hear about.

I would highly recommend the whole experience to anyone believing they may like to follow a career in commercial law.