Summer Vacation Scheme Studen Review

This was the first summer vacation scheme I completed and it was an excellent experience. The firm was friendly, supportive and the work was varied and interesting. I was given a broad insight into the high quality work that Allen & Overy undertakes with the opportunity to answer questions at every available opportunity. The scheme was fantastically well organised with a good balance of socials, work and assessment. There wasn't a competitive atmosphere amongst the vacation scheme students and the graduate recruitment team were able to guide me if there were any issues that arose. I would recommend this placement to anyone interested in pursuing a career in law at a top Magic Circle firm.

I felt really valued during my time at the firm. Although the work is of course very complicated and there are only certain tasks that I can get involved in, the trainers were always happy to answer my questions and support me along the way. My trainer introduced me to everyone in the department and took me for drinks. There was a really friendly atmosphere and everyone, no matter how senior, was always happy to help.

The support was excellent. Everyone was so approachable and this meant that there was never an issue when it came to clarifying a task or asking for feedback. People were very honest with you and the feedback was constructive so I really feel like I have improved over the course of the scheme. We were all assigned a trainee buddy who was there to answer any of the questions that we had- my buddy was particularly helpful and friendly.

The placement has definitely strengthened my interest in pursing a career in commercial law at a top Magic Circle firm. The chance to experience work of the highest quality, surrounded by the friendliest people has been excellent. I would recommend this scheme to anyone serious about becoming a solicitor.

I think the structure of the scheme was the key to its success. It was organised and managed impeccably. There was a wide variety of different events and socials and it meant that I got to meet so many different partners, associates and trainees within the firm. There was a focus on a real exposure to all of the practice areas of A&O and by the end of the scheme I really felt like I understood what the firm stood for.

Friendly, warm and approachable atmosphere throughout the scheme. Fantastic support was given along the way and everyone made a real effort to come to speak to me. It is definitely somewhere where everyone works hard, but they are also rewarded for it. There's definitely a collegiate spirit throughout the firm and this was mirrored within the scheme.

The firm really did invest a lot of time and effort in providing feedback for the work we completed and to offer guidance along the way so we can improve.

It was really good insight into what a trainee solicitors would actually do on a day to day basis. Everyone was refreshingly honest about what life was like at the firm in terms of working hours and that was one thing that I enjoyed the most because you really want to be able to get a full picture of what the firm is like first hand.

The culture of the firm was clear from every person I met and every event I attended. It was a perfect insight into the friendly culture of the firm.

The events and talks helped me to gain an understanding of the type of work that you can expect to experience at the firm and our future career paths should we be fortunate enough to be offered a Training Contract with the firm.

I was generously paid for the scheme, which easily covered my living costs in London.

There were various opportunities to meet and talk to other employees within the firm. We had speed networking and partner dinners and a number of trainee buddy socials.

Social events were excellent, they were varied and got everyone chatting to each other.

There were plenty of sporting and leisure opportunities for employees including an gym within the office.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone seriously considering a career in commercial law.