Student Review

The two weeks were extremely enjoyable - there was a perfect balance between actual work, legal activities and social events. The group presentation was a wonderful way to get to know both the firm and other Vac Schemers better.

At times I was not given much work, but when I was, the help I was able to offer was very appreciated.

Trainees, associates and partners were all very encouraging and supportive.

As a non-lawyer, the insight into the legal practice was invaluable for me. The challenge of drafting letters and emails to clients, drafting leases and taking & writing up notes in meetings and conference calls forced me to develop a confidence in my practical skills.

Every day there was a 'Focus On' session which involved partners, associates and trainees giving us a presentation on their practice area/department. This was a wonderful way to get a basic understanding of all of the different areas of law, facilitated by engaging activities. Other activities, such as getting involved in pro bono work, were also a great way to meet more people in the firm and get a greater insight into the legal profession.

Everybody at the firm was extremely friendly and chatty, and showed genuine interest in me. The hierarchy within the firm is really unnoticable owing to the mutual respect between employees at all levels of career development.

The partners and associates supervising my work took their time to walk me through everything that needed doing, explaining the purpose of the work I was doing. When there was no actual work, they provided me with commercial exercises to consider and then gave up their time to discuss it further with me.

I was invited to meetings, conference calls, was given a breath of work, and was generally welcomed as an employee rather than an intern.

I already had a good idea of the company culture, but being there for two weeks really highlighted how friendly the firm is. So many people made the effort to introduce themselves and check how I was getting on, and I didn't hear a single bad word from anyone whilst I was there.

As previously mentioned, the "focus on" sessions were extremely helpful insights into the various areas of commercial law, which will be useful when I come to decide, as a trainee, which seats I want to sit in.

I was paid adequately.

There were 5 planned networking events, but the way that the interns are integrated into the firm meant that networking was constant, and every day I met different people of different ranks and from different departments. This was one of the key aspects I liked about the firm.

There was a really good range of events, with a few more formal drinks with partners and associates, but less formal events in the evenings too with the firm's current trainees.

Some, though more detail could have been provided.

100%. It was challenging yet stress-free. I felt relaxed and welcome at all times. I gained wonderful experience in the legal profession, helping with a wide variety of tasks. I met lovely, friendly, like-minded people. The application process was not highly intense, and was actually enjoyable.