graduate Review

I really enjoyed my time at RPC. The main positive was how welcoming everybody at the firm was - at times I actually did forget that I was a summer student at the firm, rather than a full time employee! I think this says more about the type of person RPC tries to employ, than anything else.

During the summer scheme specific events and sessions I did feel extremely valued, as well as generally during any down time such as lunch etc. However, there were times during the time spent on the floor when I felt as though I was less valued.

I recieved a lot of guidance and support from graduate recruitment, and during the summer scheme specific events and sessions. When I was given work to do on the floor it was always very well explained, and I was supported through my completion of the task. I did not necessairly feel supported at times on the floor where there was no work for me to do, or when I had asked for work, but people were busy.

We recieved a lot of information regarding the culture of RPC, and the future strategy of the firm. This definitely assisted in making sure you knew if RPC was right for you or not, as you were clear on the values of the firm, the type of person it strived to employ, and the direction in which the firm was headed. I also learned alot about certain practice groups that I did not necessarily know about previously, such as insurance. In terms of specific legal skills, I did not really develop any - that is probably more because I have already undertaken a lot of the average trainee tasks before.

The insight was very well structured. There was a clear plan which was provided at the start of the scheme which spanned the whole of the two weeks. Each day vac scheme students were provided with a reminder of the structure. There was rarely a day where we did not partake in a structured event.

The general atmosphere was great - everyone was really friendly, and welcoming and keen to help out. We had a lot of fun, but also did a lot of hard work. However, the atmosphere was not as comfortable when attempting to seek out work.

It was obvious that the firm had pumped a lot of resources into the scheme: time, people and money. A lot of quasi training/ information sessions were put on, particularly during the first week. There was also opportunity for feedbakc after the Business Project task, which itself was very well resourced and a good opportunity for personal development.

I felt as though I was able to understand exactly wher it would be like to have a full time role with the company.

I felt as though I knew exactly what the culture of the company was like; not only wer ewe constantly exposed it, but we also had several sessions on the future of the company culture, and we undertook a business project based upon it.

I came to the firm wanting to work out if the culture of the firm was right for me, and I left knowing exactly whether it was or not.

Before tax, the money paid was just about enough to pay for shared student accomodation in London, and a return train ticket. After tax, it would not be. We were however given adequate money to spend in the canteen over the two week period, for lunch.

There were multiple opportunities to network and meet other employees; there were so many opportunities to meet the trainees that you actually felt like you were getting to know them.

The networking/social opportunities were always well attended, with everyone in attendance enthusiastic and happy to be there and engage with the summer scheme students. They were held at great venues, and obviously a lot of time and effort had gone into planning.

Yes, our business project was partly centered upon that - it was our job to engage fully with this aspect of the firm.

Yes.