Vacation Scheme Review

The Vacation Scheme provided me with a great insight into the firm. I was placed within the Property Team for two weeks and was provided with interesting work.

I was given work by various people and departments on my vacation scheme. Lightening the load of the fee earners made me feel more valuable.

We had a trainee buddy for the duration of the vacation scheme who we could ask questions to.

I was given quality work which allowed me to demonstrate my skills. Access to the firm's intranet allowed me to gain an insight into the firm's international strategy and vision.

Excellent. A timetable was provided at the start of the vacation placement.

Although everyone was approachable, the trainees were not the most welcoming or receptive.

The work I received on my vacation scheme was excellent in terms of allowing me to demonstrate my skills and complete real, interesting work. However, other vacation schemes I attended provided commercial awareness and marketing workshops which were also helpful.

Aside from an hours talk each morning regarding a practice group, I spent the rest of the day at my desk completing the tasks I had been asked to do. Sitting in and amongst the fee earners whilst completing this work allowed me to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm.

Working in the office alongside the employees of Pinsent Masons for the vacation scheme allowed me to understand the culture of the firm. The firm's values are approachable, bold and connected- all of which I saw being demonstrated throughout my vacation scheme.

Each morning we were given a presentation by a member of a practice group, this provided me with an insight into other departments. This was valuable as I was based in Property for the two weeks and rarely had interaction with other departments. Being involved with the work the Property lawyers do allowed me to see first hand the type of work I would be trusted with as a trainee in a Property seat.

I was paid for the vacation scheme and also reimbursed for my expenses incurred in travelling to London for the induction.

We had a social each week with some of the trainees and a partner lunch. We were given the opportunity to speak to employees from other departments during the practice group presentations in the morning.

We had a social each week with some of the trainees and a partner lunch. However, only two of the trainees attended each social and it was clear not all of the trainees were happy about having to attend.

We were given a corporate responsibility presentation which told us about the initiatives the firm is involved with.

Yes. Overall I had a positive experience with the firm and the vacation scheme provided me with an excellent opportunity to be involved with real, interesting work and exposed me to what life is like as a lawyer in an international, commercial law firm.