Winter Vacation Scheme Review

My week at Ashurst gave me a fantastic insight into the life and work of an International lawyer. Sitting in the Dispute Resolution department, I was exposed to actual work, which enabled me to draw upon the skills I have learnt throughout my undergraduate degree. It was a priceless opportunity, and one which I thoroughly recommend to anyone interested in pursuing a International legal career.

I was introduced to everyone I came across throughout my vacation scheme. From Senior Partners through to current trainees, everyone was very warm and welcoming. In particular, my supervisor, who ensured I felt comfortable at all times. He allowed me to participate in client calls, and kept me occupied throughout the vacation scheme.

I was given an immense amount of support, from both my supervisor, his secretary and trainees within my department. They happily answered all of my questions and guided me when needed. The HR team were fantastic, They kept in constant contact throughout the vacation scheme, ensuring we all gained the most out of the opportunity.

Experiencing first hand the quality of work carried out by an elite International law firm has helped me in my final year of study. I have been able to take a practical legal stance, rather than a theoretical stance when undertaking commercial law modules. My ability to network and socialise with industry experts has increased, which has resulted in an increase in confidence. Furthermore, having carried out in-depth research for a particular client throughout my vacation scheme, I have been able to apply the same skills whilst completing my final year assignments.

The HR team at Ashurst could not have been more clinical with their structuring of the vacation scheme. It was impeccably constructed and ensured all the vacation scheme students had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with each other, with the trainees and numerous partners. The social activities were inclusive for everyone. The highlight being a three-course-meal at the Shangri-La, located on the 52nd floor of the Shard.

Positive, friendly and genuinely welcoming. Never a dull moment, and the collegiate atmosphere of the firm really shone through.

I have been offered and have accepted a Training Contract at Ashurst. Therefore the firm will fund my LPC and will also contribute towards my living expenses whilst undertaking the Legal Practice Course.

The exposure to what is required when working for an elite global law firm was second to none. My supervisor ensured I was given relevant work, which motivated me to work exceptionally hard. Having the opportunity to sit and observe how international lawyers liaise with clients was a great experience. All this gave me an insight to the reality of working in a elite international law firm.

Ashurst's collegiate culture shone through the minute I walked through the door. A firm which is amongst the global elite for its work, yet has a warm, friendly and welcoming culture. The vacation scheme gave me the opportunity to view the firm up close and personal. I found everyone in the firm to be exceptionally welcoming, yet hard working and passionate about the work they carry out.

Having researched the firm thoroughly prior to the start my vacation scheme, the week at Ashurst help reinforce what I already knew. The activities planned by the HR team, along with the high quality of work given to me by my supervisor cemented my career path. I wanted to see whether the firm genuinely had a collegiate culture, and Ashurst proved this beyond reasonable doubt.

We had numerous opportunities to network with Partners, senior associates through to trainees. The exposure was fantastic, and the partners were very insightful and welcoming. The trainees were exceptionally helpful and maintained contact throughout the vacation scheme.

Everyday consisted of a different networking event. From a partner panel question and answer session through to lunch with the trainees, the exposure to employees of the firm was brilliant.

Upon arrival we were given a booklet which consisted of all the opportunities available outside work. This included sports teams, social clubs and much more.

Absolutely. The vacation scheme was a fantastic experience, and I would recommend anyone wanting to pursue a career in International Law to experience the same.