Vacation Scheme Review

I enjoyed my placement a lot. As well as being put in three different seats so we could find out all about the firm and its different practice areas, we were also treated to many activities including dragon boating and dinner at the Ivy. While we worked hard during this placement, we also had a lot of fun.

While some of the work we were doing was for our sake i.e. to let us see what sort of work goes on at Hogan Lovells, in many cases I did feel valued as I was doing genuinely helpful work. This placement worked both ways - it seems that while I loved being there, they were also grateful to have me. Everyone at the firm was so friendly, as were the other vacation scheme students who I hope to stay in touch with.

We received so much support, from the personalised books we were given at the beginning with our timetables and various hints and tips on them, to being allocated a trainee mentor who regularly met this us to discuss our options, help us with interview technique and generally tell us truthfully what it's like to work at Hogan Lovells.

The experience taught me that close attention to detail is essential. However, this is a very different type of law from that which we study at university so I can't see it helping that; though when we get to law school and the world of work these skills will be essential.

The insight was extremely well structured. We were given a detailed timetable right at the start which was stuck to. We were put in three different seats which was extremely well organised, as well as having plenty of extra activities and workshops to attend. It all worked very well and there were no clashes.

The general atmosphere was very welcoming. We felt like we belonged at Hogan Lovells and everyone was very kind and interested in us, as well as being very happy to answer any questions we had. The group got on well, potentially because we were put in groups early on meaning that we got to know eachother well. Overall, the scheme was great fun.

The firm invested heavily in us. Throughout the three weeks we attended about 10 workshops, ranging from financial case studies to IT Skills, to talks on the Pro Bono work of Hogan Lovells. These helped us to develop our skills together, and then we could put them into practice in our individual seats.

The insight was extremely helpful in helping me to decide whether this career was for me. This is the sort of experience where you see how it really is, which no amount of research will lead to. I was able to talk to people who told me honestly about their experiences. It was invaluable.

It really helped me understand the company culture, as as well as being able to speak to people about it, we also received all the company emails so found out about things, for example the pro bono work which they do and different events such as 'strictly ballroom'.

Again, this was extremely helpful as we were able to see up close what working for a firm like Hogan Lovells would be like and thus decide if this is what we wanted to do.

We were paid £300 a week - very generous.

There were plenty of opportunities for this. Twice we had 'partner hosted lunches' where we were sat on tables with partners and were able to speak to them informally. Other events included a champagne reception with other employees and dinner at the Ivy with partners. We feel like we got to know the partners and employees well.

The networking and social event opportunities were very good fun, and helped us to get to know employees as well as the other people taking part in the vacation scheme in a more informal setting.

Yes, for example, some of the girls went to a Hogan Lovells hockey match, and others went to see a dance show which was being put on. We received all the emails so could find out about activities that Hogan Lovells was putting on, such as a walking tour of London.

I would highly recommend the insight to a friend. As well as having a great time and meeting people who I will stay in touch with, this was an invaluable way to get to know the firm itself, but also how similar firms work. There is no better way to do this than spending some time thereworking.