Vacation Scheme Review

I immensely enjoyed my two weeks with the firm, which flew by. I was really impressed by how friendly every member of the firm was, from Secretaries to Partners. The chance to experience two different departments really allowed me to gain a fuller appreciation of the breadth and international nature of work undertaken by the firm. As a non-law student, seeing the day-to-day workings at as commercial solicitor confirmed that this was the profession I wished to pursue.

As mentioned, everyone I met couldn't have been more welcoming. What stood out was the enthusiasm everyone showed for their work - besides explaining what was required of me for any given task, it was always (unprompted) explained to me the wider context of any work I was contributing to, as well as expanding on any principles I didn't understand and allowing me to have another go at things where appropriate.

The support I received was excellent. For each of my 'seats' I was situated in a room shared with another solicitor, which meant I never felt cut off. Additionally, I was assigned a 'buddy' (a trainee solicitor) who prescribed me much of my work and was always happy to answer any questions. Having said that, I received work from many different people across each department I sat in.

As a science student, my time in the Patents department was especially insightful and allowed me to see in practice the interface between the scientific and legal sectors. My seat in Finance, although very different to Patents, was equally as fascinating. The vac-schemers also were required to prepare a group presentation that related to our understanding of Taylor Wessing as a business. Hence, time management, communication, research and team work skills were all utilised in its preparation!

The Vacation Scheme was very well structured; the first day was entirely dedicated to an induction, which provided a great chance to get to know fellow vac-schemers, as well as ensuring by the end of it we were all equipped with everything we'd need to commence work. The daily 'Focus On' sessions scheduled by the firm provided an excellent means of learning more about each of Taylor Wessing's different practice areas besides the two main seats we were based in. These sessions normally involved a talk and then some sort of team exercise. Additionally, there were a number of well-planned socials (all of which were great fun!) each week as well as opportunities to participate in a pro-bono legal clinic.

Taylor Wessing struck an excellent balance between a friendly yet innovative and ambitious working environment. This was apparent in all aspects, from the firm's target industry sectors to even the artwork displayed around the offices! The standout feature certainly was the firm's engaging culture.

Everyone at Taylor Wessing, from Partners to IT support, were always happy to provide any additional guidance needed. The presentation and 'Focus On' group tasks previously mentioned also provided a great means of gaining a fuller appreciation of the skills utilised by the firm's solicitors and commercial demands placed upon them.

Although the scheme was short, thanks to the firm's open culture and numerous social/networking opportunities, I came away with a good idea of working life at the firm would be like at Taylor Wessing.

The Vacation Scheme was fundamental in gaining a fuller insight of Taylor Wessing's company culture which I'm delighted to say is even more friendly, vibrant and forward thinking than graduate brochure suggests!

My time with Taylor Wessing confirmed my ambitions to pursue a career as a solicitor at an international commercial law firm with a strong industry and client emphasis.

I was paid at the end of my two weeks with the firm.

In addition to getting to know many members of the departments I was situated in, I met most of the current trainees through the organised socials and many senior members of the firm at a Partner's lunch. There were also welcoming and leaving drinks that everyone across the firm was invited to attend, providing ample opportunities to network with other employees.

There was a good mix of formal and less formal social events. Organised socials included visiting the Comedy Club and a pretty swanky bowling alley!

I had the opportunity to attend a pro-bono legal clinic and shadow a Taylor Wessing Trainee during a consultation session. However a key feature of Taylor Wessing to note is their appreciation for work/life balance - that's not to say you won't work long hours when needed to, but everyone I spoke to had something going on in their life outside of work, from drumming lessons to cricket at the weekends!

Absolutely - I loved my time with Taylor Wessing and certainly would recommend the vacation scheme to any aspiring lawyer considering a career as a solicitor at an ambitious, yet friendly, international commercial law firm.