Vacation Scheme Student Review

I very much enjoyed my time at Taylor Wessing. The placement was well structured with the relevant information being sent out well in advance. Everyone at the firm is very supportive and keen to help you make the most of your vacation scheme.

Everyone was as supportive as they could be given the context. Clearly as a non-law student working in a very busy commercial law firm acting on huge deals the level of responsibility will not be high, however work was always provided. The work was diverse and interesting and feedback was given on all tasks.

With a scheme that include a trainee 'buddy' and a supervisor in each week you are never left alone. There is a great open door policy at the firm and everyone is always supportive and able to answer any questions you may have.

The work I did over the two weeks and the skills required for the work, in conjunction with the daily departmental talks gave a real insight into the skills required to be a commercial lawyer. Whilst I have now finished my History degree I look forward to taking these skills forward into my GDL, my LPC and beyond into my legal career.

Both two weeks were very well structured with departmental insights everyday and weekly social events and enough time to get on with various tasks and a group presentation. The only time that could have perhaps been better utilised for networking purposes was the lunch hour assigned everyday which no one on the scheme ended up using daily.

The atmosphere throughout the two weeks was great. Everyone at the firm is very approachable and friendly, the other vacation scheme students are all great and the social events were good fun. All in all I could not have asked for a more friendly atmosphere which still valued doing your work to the best of your ability.

The firm held departmental talks which gave an excellent insight into each different department at the firm and the skills required in each department. The work given to the vacation scheme students is all work which is invaluable experience for anyone wishing to train as a commercial lawyer.

Everyone I spoke to was willing to be honest about life at the firm. The trainees were all very positive about life at the firm, especially compared to other city law firms but were realistic in regards to some of the drawbacks the lifestyle of a city lawyer brings.

The firm put great emphasis on the culture at the firm and the values it holds dear. Through reading those values and the emphasis the firm places on them it was no surprise to see them in practice throughout my two weeks here.

Whilst I was already very keen to pursue a legal career, the vacation scheme at Taylor Wessing confirmed to me more than anything I have done before that this is what I want to do as my career and I hope to be able to pursue my career at Taylor Wessing.

Payment was adequate and covered all expenses for food, accommodation and travel for the two weeks.

There were numerous networking events held with partners, associates and trainees attending. Outside of those events everyones door was always open and it was always possible to speak to anyone you wished as long as you set a time beforehand to meet.

All networking and social event opportunities were fun and very useful to get to know different personalities at the firm. Again, only the lunch hour set could have been used for more networking opportunities as everyone at the vacation scheme felt there was pressure to continue with work and not use the full lunch hour.

Yes, there were opportunities to go along with the firms employees to touch rugby, 5-a-side football and to pro-bono legal work at Blackfriars.

Without hesitation.