Vacation Scheme Student Review

The 3 week vacation scheme with Herbert Smith Freehills was really enjoyable. We had a program of events created for us by graduate recruitment which meant that we were able to get to know the other vacation scheme students, trainees and partners, and develop a greater understanding of what life is like as an employee of the firm.

The supervisors I worked with during my time on the vacation scheme were very welcoming; they took a lot of time to answer the questions I had and ensured that I had a variety of tasks to do. The feedback they gave me when we reviewed the tasks I had done was really helpful.

I received a lot of guidance during the vacation scheme from both of my supervisors and my partner mentor.

The information I received whilst on the vacation scheme has given me a deeper understanding of various areas of law that I look forward to studying in the future. The negotiation workshop we participated in has given me a foundation from which to build so as to enhance my ability to negotiate effectively.

The vacation scheme was incredibly well structured. There were departmental presentations on most days that gave us a flavour for the broad range of work that the firm does. When working under the supervision of an associate we had set tasks to do that provided us with the opportunity to experience the working environment and atmosphere of the firm. The vacation scheme also had scheduled events during the evening that served as good ice breakers and opportunities to socialise with both vacation scheme students and lawyers.

The general atmosphere experienced in the firm was very welcoming and inclusive. This made me feel involved in the cases that the people around me were working on.

The opportunity to work at the firm for three weeks in two different departments gave me a greater understanding of what would be required of me were I to have a full time role with the firm. I learnt about the different tasks a lawyer undertakes, the structure of the day, and the importance of teamwork to a person's role as a lawyer.

The vacation scheme really helped me to understand the culture of the firm because I was working with a trainee and an associate and had the opportunity to experience a range of meetings and conferences. I was in a position to learn about the different types of work undertaken by different lawyers and how it all contributes to the case that is being worked on.

There were plenty of opportunities for meeting other employees of the firm such as drinks events, dinner events and even a "secret event". The range of events organised gave us a good combination of formal, and slightly more relaxed occasions to network and meet other employees of Herbert Smith Freehills

The social events that the firm had organised and put on were well attended by vacation scheme students, trainees, and partners. This meant that we were able to socialise with a variety of employees and build a more detailed picture of what life is like at the firm.

I would recommend this vacation scheme to a friend as it was the perfect opportunity to experience the working environment and lifestyle of working in a city law firm.