Vacation Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the firm, whether inside the office walls or out with trainees on social events. I gained a real insight into the firm and found the environment extremely welcoming.

I was hugely grateful for the level of responsibility I was given throughout my time with the firm and felt greatly valued. I worked on live issues and knowing my contributions were actually helping the firm was a fantastic feeling.

The level of guidance meant I was provided with enough information to feel well-equipped to tackle a task whilst being allowed to use my initiative and learn on my own, which made the experience all the more enjoyable. Whenever I did feel as if I may have come unstuck there were a number of people in a number of roles who were more than happy to offer the help I needed.

Since taking part in the scheme, I have become increasingly more confident that I will be up to the challenge of working in the same environment once my studies have finished. The experience allowed me to hone a number of skills which will stand me in good stead for a career not only in law but in any industry and now I am completing my final year at university, I can visualise how the subject matter of my studies correlate with the work I undertook on the vacation scheme.

I feel the scheme was structured very thoughtfully, incorporating a great balance between immersion in the work and the social aspects of life with the firm. Insights into each department every day and the integration of the assessed group-work into everyday work meant that the scheme flowed very well and allowed those taking part to capitalise on their time with the firm.

There are no bad words to say regarding the atmosphere of the firm; I felt thoroughly welcome from the moment I arrived and the firm was the friendliest I have encountered. The environment was very relaxed and open, where everyone genuinely seemed to get on with one another, both inside and outside the office.

I feel the approach the firm took allowed us to develop quickly; the scheme opened with a full day of training on a range of issues before letting us free to learn and develop those skills ourselves. The training covered a great range, varying from the most basic and general office training to levels more technical than we would need. We were provided with useful information to return to throughout the week and someone was always on hand to help. In a more personal aspect, a review at the end of each week with a self-analysis beforehand really helped in thinking about personal performance, strengths and weaknesses across a number of key areas, before hearing the views of those who'd been working with you.

The scheme was very involving and the lasting impression was that I had experienced as close to the same day as a trainee as possible, much more so than what I have heard about other firm's schemes where it felt as though some firms were selling themselves. As a result, although a more condensed version with only taster sessions on departments outside the seats I sat in and a busy social side, the scheme gave a great overview of all aspects of the firm without feeling unnatural or forced.

Spending two condensed and intense weeks with the firm was undoubtedly the best way to truly understand the firm's culture. The structure of the scheme and the level of involvement we were afforded allowed firsthand experience of the culture rather than false representations, not to mention how open the trainees were about their experiences too.

I found the whole experience to be extremely valuable in terms of deciding a future career as it provided me with such a great insight into the career I could have with this particular firm, from the culture, the typical day, the social side, to a look into every department available, on top of contact with trainees, HR and associates right through to partners.

I was paid the standard rate for a scheme of this type which was more than adequate for all travel and expenses etc.

Throughout the experience there were a number of different events to meet or network with a range of the firm's employees. Each event differed on setting and ambience which allowed for a variety of opportunities to get to know a variety of people. Outside of the structured opportunities , I was encouraged to approach associates and partners throughout my department and beyond, which meant that the opportunity to network was always available.

Every event differed in its formality and therefore were a great way to see how employees acted in different scenarios. The more traditional social events were very relaxed with only trainees in attendance from the firm, offering a great opportunity to genuinely relax and make friends with not only the trainees but the other vac schemers. The frequency and range of events was well balanced and the flow of free food and drink was greatly appreciated!

Not only were we made aware of the opportunities available outside of work, I also had the chance to get involved myself and experience working in the pro bono clinic one evening. The trainee committee who organise a number of events outside the office were very approachable and more than willing to answer any questions on other activities.

I could not recommend the scheme highly enough - in terms of future career considerations it was invaluable, providing a fantastic and genuine insight into the industry and life at the firm, yet I truly enjoyed myself from start to finish, making a number of good friends along the way.