Vacation Schemer Review

The scheme exceeded my expectations in terms of the work I got to do and the amount of responsibility involved. This shows that Taylor Wessing truly respects and invests in its vacation schemers.

The start was promising: I received my first and second choice seats (which is illustrative of the firm's regard towards my legal areas of interest). During the seats, the work meaningfully tested my abilities. Furthermore, the presentation we were required to give at the end of the scheme was on a challenging topic that might assist the firm's future marketing strategy (hence, our ideas were valued). I also felt that Taylor Wessing, besides profesionally valuing its vacation schemers, valued us as individuals.

The first week was incredibly hectic for the department I was in. I appreciated how everyone made time to give me an insight into the affairs involved. Furthermore, during my second week, my supervisor was exceptionally supportive.

Theory and practice are invariably different. Having studied both of the practice areas where I did my seats in, I think that the academic realm is mainly concerned with very controversial issues, whereas in practice you need to give a commercially convenient legal answer (which may be very different from a pure legal one). This is why I think that content-wise, it will barely assist me in my degree studies. However, it will hugely assist me beyond my studies, when I will practice. Moreover, the skills developed will always be an invaluable asset.

I really enjoyed the practice areas presentations. I also appreciated the fact that we were given the opportunity to shadow trainees doing pro bono work.

Everyone was very friendly and made us feel welcomed.

I wanted to get a deeper insight of how it is to practice law (and I was not disappointed). I was exposed to many facets of the practice areas I sat in (from doing due dilligence and research to going to court). I am very pleased to have had this opportunity.

The actual work, the practice area presentations and the discussions with associates and parteners have all contributed to an informed understanding of how it would be to work for Taylor Wessing.

Taylor Wessing definitely fosters a forward-thiking culture that is perceivable in every aspect of the firm. The values of the firm are also palpable in all of the activities I have been involved in or that I have observed.

The structure of the scheme offered a good basis for an informed decision about a future career in a law firm.

I think that at this stage the experience is much more valuable than the remuneration (which was, nevertheless, good).

Everyone was very open and friendly. Besides the organised lunch and events, I attended two practice area meetings which provided me with exceptional networking opportunities.

They provided a good opportunity to get to know the fellow vacation schemers better.

To provide a non-exhaustive list: pro bono, potential client meetings, international conferences, clients' social events.

A vacation scheme at Taylor Wessing is definitely not an opportunity to miss!