This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
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The Company
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Everything Else
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
The insight was very enjoyable; the firm put a lot of effort into ensuring there was the right mix of social and work events. We had the opportunity to do everything from lunch with the partners to bowling and drinks with the trainees. The work itself was also highly enjoyable and I was given genuine responsibility - I even sat in on a client meeting.
The firm singled us out as 'winners' and made every effort to make the application process to training contracts transparent. They encouraged us to stay in touch and seemed interested in our development.
One thing I liked about the placement is that we were treated like adults and were allowed to go out and find our own work and manage our schedule. However, I always felt supported if support was necessary. I had both a buddy and a supervisor.
In terms of helping with my degree studies probably not much. However, beyond that it was very useful and gave a realistic insight into what life as a trainee solicitor entails.
The Company
The insight was well structured. As I indicated before, I enjoyed being able to manage my own schedule within reason. On the timetable we were given, we were afforded a good mix of time with HR / Trainees / partners. Also the firm struck the perfect balance between social and work.
The atmosphere wasn't overly competitive which was nice. All of the staff were friendly and were genuinely interested to speak to me. I had partners dedicate 45 mins of their time for a one on one chat that I requested.
A huge amount. We were given talks, opportunities to present and insight into what work is really like. I felt valued and that my personal development was valuable to the firm. We were given access to services such as the in-house research team which showed we were treated, as far as possible, like a trainee would be.
It wasn't sugar coated. The trainees were candid with their answers and the work was similar to what a trainee would be doing. The transparent nature of the firm made me respect it even more.
I believe the firm is friendly and approachable, but hard working.
While I had already decided I wanted to be a solicitor, it has clarified to me where I want to train.
Everything Else
I was paid £250 for the week.
I met partners, trainees, associates and members of HR. See above.
We were put in a variety of situations; lunches, dinners, work situations which meant that everyone was able to network, even if they weren't natural networkers.
Questions were asked about pro-bono etc and they were answered adequately.
Absolutely. It is a great firm and a great vac scheme.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Yorkshire and Humberside
April 2015