Vacation Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight throughout the two weeks that I spent at Taylor Wessing. I was given the opportunity to get involved in drafting documents, research tasks, client meetings, site visits and pro bono work, alongside a number of social events.

I felt that I was able to speak not only to Trainees but to Partners and senior staff throughout the scheme. I felt welcomed in both departments that I spent time in each week, and I was given work that really helped other members of the team, including research tasks and the drafting of emails which was great.

The Graduate Recruitment team made sure that I felt fully supported throughout the scheme, by providing an initial induction and detailed schedule and guided tour. However, I felt like I was in contact with the team for the whole scheme, as we exchanged regular emails. By having both a trainee buddy and supervisor in each department, there was always someone that I felt I could go to for guidance and for support.

The experience was invaluable, as I now know that I am suited to a firm of a similar size and culture to Taylor Wessing. I have also learnt that the availability of work with an international flavour is something which is important to me in deciding on the firms that I will go on to apply to if I am unsuccessful with this firm.

The insight was very well structured, as there was a good balance of time spent in our departments, know-how talks relating to the different practices at the firm, and social events. The whole schedule was set out clearly in our welcome packs during our induction to the scheme.

I really enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the firm during the insight. Everyone was aware that I was there for the scheme and was willing to give their time up to provide me with work and to offer me advice about my career and the firm in general. The trainees were really positive about the firm, and were determined to ensure that we had the best experience at each of our socials throughout the scheme.

We were provided with hoodies, note pads, pens and welcome packs from the very first day. Throughout the scheme we had two weekly appraisals from our department supervisors as well as an exit meeting with a member of graduate recruitment. We were appointed with trainee buddies and supervisors who gave a lot of time throughout the scheme to explain how different pieces of work should be completed, and to provide me with feedback on the work that I carried out.

I had a great insight into the work that I would actually be doing as a trainee, as I was carrying out actual tasks that would be set for my trainee buddy in each department. By attending client meetings and site visits I was given the opportunity to see the work that each department was doing.

The time that I spent in each department, as well as the lunches and evening socials that were organised for us, ensured that I was able to really experience the culture and people at the firm - not only in the working environment, but in a more relaxed and social setting.

I was able to experience the work in both the Real Estate and Corporate, Commercial and Projects department which helped me to determine if I would like to take a seat in these departments if I were to gain a training contract with the firm. I was able to gain from the experience a confirmation that I may prefer transactional work as opposed to contentious work.

I was paid for each week, which did cover the costs for travel and food/drink over the course of the scheme.

Yes, there were three social events in the evening and a lunch during the insight. The open door policy meant that I felt able to go and introduce myself to everyone in the departments that I sat in during the scheme.

I thoroughly enjoyed the social events throughout the scheme, including the Urban Golf and All Star Bowling evenings. All of the trainees and staff that attended were all very welcoming and were keen to get us involved.

Yes, we were invited to the weekly tag rugby training, and I was able to attend a pro bono project that trainees are involved in on a weekly basis.

Yes, I really enjoyed the experience, and the insight that I had has put me in the best possible position in going forward with my career in terms of the type of firm that I could see myself at, and the potential seats that I would choose as a trainee.