vacation Scheme Review

The vacation scheme was a great experience as the Graduate Recruitment team put in a lot of effort to make sure that we got a good insight into different experiences you have as a commercial lawyer at Allen & Overy. There were a number of opportunities to interact with employees of the firm and that really helped me to understand more about the culture of Allen & Overy. So, therefore, it was a very enriching experience. However, because it was a short scheme and there were a number of activities scheduled in the time, it got a bit hectic at times. But that was okay as the activities were a lot of fun.

There was a genuine effort on part of my trainer and the wider team to get me involved in the work they were doing. My trainer took me along with him for his meetings with his team and they explained the deal they were working in and the different nuances involved in the deal. So, even though I couldn't contribute to a very huge extent because of my limited knowledge of banking and allied laws, I really felt a part of the team and that was a very nice feeling to have.

The Graduate Recruitment team were always at hand to answer any doubt I had in relation to the work I was doing during the scheme. My buddy was also always at hand to guide me in my interview and application process and that was very helpful. Over and above that, my trainer and other people in the department I was sitting in were very approachable and willing to help whenever I had any issues. So, there was help available at every step along the way.

I realised that a commercial lawyer at a firm like A&O needs to have a good grasp on the commercial developments happening in the world. So, that is something I would keep in mind as I pursue my graduation in India. Further, I also received feedback on how to draft notes that are precise and insightful and that is something that I feel would help me a lot in future.

It was extremely well-structured. The client pitch, for example, was planned in a way that we had a meeting with the relationship partner on the first day to understand what she was looking for and then we had a meeting with the Graduate Recruitment team so as to ensure that we were on the right track. The

It was an extremely welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to have us at the firm and made a real effort to interact with us despite having very busy schedules themselves.

The vacation scheme gave an insight into what working at A&O as a trainee would entail. I got an idea into what are the tasks that a trainee is entrusted with at the firm and the sort of responsibility that is placed on a trainee here. I also got a good idea about the work culture of the firm and that was really helpful.

There was a department speed networking lunch where I got to meet people form different departments. I also met several partners at the firm during one of the receptions and that helped me to understand their perspective on how the firm works and how they have seen it change over the years.

The social events were a lot of fun and I actually got to know a few of the fellow vacation scheme students quite well. The ice-skating event turned out to be a lot, even though I was dreading it at the beginning, having never done ice-skating before!

I would definitely recommend this vacation scheme to a friend, purely for the reason that it gives you a great insight, in a very short time, about the culture of the firm. The friendly nature of the people here makes the experience that much more enjoyable.