Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed the Summer Vacation Scheme at A&O.

I felt extremely valued during my time at A&O. The Graduate Recruitment Team, Trainees, Associates and Partners all spent a lot of time with us. The lawyers really included us in the team and made sure that we got a varied experience. I listened to calls, attended both internal and client meetings and was introduced to a wide range people within the firm.

In each department, you are given a "Trainer" who acts as your supervisor. They give you work and help support you. Both my trainers were lovely and it was a pleasure to find out more about their time at A&O. We had a trainee buddy for the duration of the scheme. My trainee buddy went to the same university as me and I had met her before at Warwick events, so I was really pleased to have her as my buddy. She was really helpful and answered all my questions. Outside of the formal system, several lawyers and secretaries provided further support and were more than happy to answer any questions.

My experience at A&O definitely helped on my second vacation scheme. I learnt an enormous amount during the scheme and I believe that I will be able to build on this during both my degree studies and my future legal career.

The vacation scheme was extremely well organised by the Graduate Recruitment Team. We were given an A&O iPad for the duration of the scheme, which contained an A&O Vac Scheme app. This had our timetable on it, as well as all the other information we needed. We had a range of structured events, including practice area talks, networking and social events. This was balanced well with enough free time in our departments.

The vacation schemers got on extremely well as a group and many of us have stayed in contact after the scheme. Although the scheme was hard work, we had lots of fun both in the office and at the socials. Most of us really enjoyed our time at A&O and were sad to leave at the end of the 3 weeks!

The lawyers spent an enormous amount of time explaining concepts, deals and cases to us. Furthermore, we had IT training, library training and talks on each practice area, which further developed our understanding of the work in each area. The group client pitch exercise was particularly beneficial.

Sitting with my trainers gave me a good understanding of a lawyer's role within those departments. In addition, the organised sessions gave me a broad understanding of a lawyer's role in other firm departments. The client pitch exercise also helped me to understand the importance of business development.

We had a 1.5 hour talk with David Morley, the worldwide Senior Partner, which was extremely beneficial in understanding the firm's strategy and consequent impact on culture. Furthermore, time in the firm gave me a strong idea of the overall firm culture - I noticed the following factors. Collegiate - The culture is very open and inclusive; the majority of people are friendly and welcoming. Support is available when needed. Ambitious - The firm culture seems ambitious, giving employees the opportunity to develop their potential. Transparent - Lawyers within the firm were extremely honest about their experiences and gave us a full picture of the highs and lows of a commercial law career. Innovative - It became very clear that the firm is more innovative/modern than some of its competitors.

The scheme gave full exposure to the career and I am now 100% sure that I want to pursue a career in commercial law.

£400 per week.

There were lots of opportunities to meet employees of A&O. I met a wide range of trainees, associates and partners, giving me a valuable insight into the career progression available. We also got to meet other employees, such as members of the business development team. Everyone was happy to spend time with us and answer our questions.

We had a wide range of social events that enabled us to meet a range of different lawyers. - Pub Quiz - HiddenCity (with trainees) - HintHunt and Dinner at Rotunda - Dinner at the OXO Tower (with Partners) - BBQ on the A&O Roof Terrace (with everyone) Furthermore, the departmental speed networking lunch gave us the opportunity to meet associates in all departments.

We spent half the day at Spitalfields City Farm, completing pro bono work. This was a good insight into the importance of Pro Bono at A&O. We were also invited to play with a range of A&O sports teams.

Yes, definitely!! I loved it.