Summer Scheme Student Review

It was a really good experience. Our activities ranged from doing real work on the departments floors to networking with members of the firm. We were kept busy, balancing work with socials, but still had plenty of time to find out more about the firm.

I felt very valued at RPC. The firm organised for summer scheme students to conduct research into a particular area of the firm and to present our findings and proposals on that area. This was a great experience and the fact that so many members of the firm (both senior and junior) attended demonstrates that the firm really did want to listen to what we had to say.

We had plenty of support from a range of people. Graduate recruitment made contact with us every day and the trainees in our departments were always available to answer questions.

The practical experience you gain in a law firm is nothing like the studying of Law you may have done at University. I believe it was invaluable for me to have spent two weeks here. RPC gives you real work (such as drafting) and research to complete which requires using completely new skills.

The scheme was extremely well structured. Graduate recruitment sent an email every day, summarising the day's plans. In addition to this we each had a booklet given to us at the start of the scheme which included all the information we would need and most importantly, the fortnight's timetable of events and socials!

The atmosphere was great. Everyone was friendly and always willing to help: I never felt as though I was left to get on with something on my own. Every person I met during the scheme was welcoming and would offer to go for coffee to find out more about me and see how they could help me throughout the week.

The firm organised a lot of "insight" sessions where we would listen to presentations from members of the firm about their practice areas. The firm also organised for us to have a guided tour of Lloyds of London which was a fantastic experience and really assisted everyone in understanding what insurance is all about.

After spending two weeks here I understand a lot better what life would be like as a trainee at RPC. Further, because of the transparency of the firm, I feel as though I know more about the role of an Associate, Senior Associate and even Partner now.

Just being in the office, surrounded by members of RPC, gives a fantastic insight into RPC's culture. Everybody you meet is welcoming and friendly, and ultimately it is a really supportive atmosphere to work in.

I was already very set on law but this experience has cemented that aspiration even further. Getting involved in the work that the trainees do gives you an accurate representation of what your future career path will look like, so it was great to get such an honest and genuine insight.

We were paid quite generously and we were also given money on our cards to spend in the cafe over the course of the two weeks.

There were plenty of opportunities for this, both on an individual level (i.e. by introducing yourself to people around the office) and in structured events organsied by graduate recruitment. The speed networking session we had was particularly good because it ensured that you had the opportunity to speak to everyone.

Both the networking opportunities and social opportunities were fantastic. In addition to this, the firm organised for just the summer scheme students to go out for food and drinks on the first Friday of the scheme, which demonstrates a real commitment of the firm to its students' experience and team environment.

There was plenty of opportunity to find out about these activities (and even get involved yourself!) Plenty of activities were going on each day and it was a great opportunity to get to know others in the firm, outside of your allocated department.

Definitely. It was very insightful but also, extremeley enjoyable.