Vacation scheme Review

It was very enjoyable, with a good mixture of social events, independent work and group presentations/overviews/exercises.

This very much depends on the trainer you happen to be sitting with. Both my trainers made me feel valued, but perhaps I was particularly lucky in this regard.

The HR team is very supportive, and the system of having a trainee buddy and associate trainers means there is normally someone there to seek guidance from.

Very little in my degree studies, but if pursue a career in law or the commercial world then the insights I have received will prove helpful. My legal research skills have also developed, and this may assist in a future career.

It was well structured, with regular practice overviews, socials and other events. However, there was about a week gap between the end of the first and second weeks when I felt there was a lack of structured events.

Very friendly and sociable. Almost everyone I met was helpful and approachable.

I do feel like the firm did invest us, to some extent. They paid us well and provided us with good resources. They were keen to oversee development, with things like feedback meetings scheduled.

Very much so. It did this by sitting you with an associate in their office, and allowing you to really get a feel for the work one might perform in those departments. The regular contact with lawyers at all level of the firm also helped.

Being in the office for three weeks, and coming into contact with lot of different lawyers, helped to give a sense of the company culture.

It was very useful, especially if you start with little knowledge of the sort of work one might be doing as a city lawyer.

The pay was £400 per week.

Yes, many, ranging from practice overview talks, to a speed networking lunch with associates, to the system of buddies and trainers, not to mention the social events.

The social events ranged from fun to spectacular, particular a dinner at Sushi Samba. Go-Karting was also fun. There was a range of social events which provided opportunities to socialise both with others on the scheme, and network with lawyers.

Yes, there was some insight into activities such as pro bono work, sports clubs etc. However, there could have been more information give in this regard.

I would recommend it to someone who is interested in pursuing a legal career, either as a way to potentially get a job, or to experience the work of a city solicitor.