Vacation Schemer Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme at Simmons & Simmons - everyone was very friendly, I was given interesting work to do, and the various social events ensured that we all got to know everyone very well.

It was made clear to us at the beginning of the scheme that the firm likes to recruit as many vac schemers as possible. A lot of time and effort went into introducing us to our departments and ensuring that we had tasks to do. Spending a week and a half in each department (as opposed to one week as is the case in some other firms) meant that we got to know people in that department much better.

My supervisors always took the time to explain things in detail whenever I was set a task, so I never felt as though I was given little or no guidance. The graduate recruitment team also made it clear that if we had any questions of a general nature, we were always welcome to make an appointment to talk to them. Various meetings with my trainee buddies and supervisors also gave me an opportunity to ask any questions or ask for advice - overall, the scheme was very well organised and it was clear that support was always available if we needed it.

The scheme was invaluable in showing me what day to day life was like in a City law firm - for me it confirmed that I did want to work in the City. I was also set challenging and quite diverse tasks, which definitely improved my time management skills!

The scheme was very well organised and structured, with various social/team building events scheduled over the three weeks to make sure that everyone got to know each other well.

Everyone was busy and worked hard, but the atmosphere in the office was friendly and welcoming, and people were never too busy to ask how I was getting on.

I got the impression that the tasks I was given were aimed at improving my skill set and challenging me. I was also given detailed feedback after each task, which was really useful.

I was given a thorough insight into what day to day life was like as a trainee at the firm. I also attended meetings with more senior members of staff, which was useful in terms of understanding what associates and partners are required to do.

We were given talks on the company's strategy, and attending departmental meetings also gave an insight into the culture of the firm.

For me, the vacation scheme confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in a City law firm.

I was paid.

There was various social events and meetings scheduled throughout the three weeks. Trainees, associates and partners all attended which gave us the opportunity to ask different questions and gain a broader sense of what it was like to work at the firm.

There were some fantastic events scheduled - we took part in a pub quiz, went bowling, went speed boating down the Thames and had a champagne reception on the London Eye!

I took the opportunity to go to Battersea Legal Advice Centre to see how pro bono advice worked. However, it would have been useful to have a talk on any sports societies etc. which employees can get involved in.

Absolutely. It was a very well organised scheme and was extremely beneficial - we worked hard, but had a lot of fun too!