Vacation Scheme Student Review

I enjoyed the insight immensely. A very well struck balance between time in one’s seat and the events planned by graduate recruitment throughout the three weeks meant that each day was different and exciting. To this end, although one had to contend with several rigorous assessments, there was always an opportunity to blow off steam following the completion of these. I also found the substantive work completed whilst sitting with the two associates I was placed with during my vacation scheme to be enjoyable in that, although it was very challenging, the sense of satisfaction derived from beginning to get to grips with some very complex commercial concepts was incredibly encouraging. Finally, being around motivated lawyers who were clearly keen to share experiences and professional advice was enjoyable and provided a clearer understanding of what the life of a lawyer is like, both in and out of the office.

I felt extremely valued during my time at A&O especially considering the fact that I was the most inexperienced individual in the room at any given time. As mentioned, everyone was friendly and happy to answer questions when they had the time to do so. During my first seat, I was invited along to the department’s summer barbecue, which was very much appreciated and demonstrated effort made to include vac schemers in all affairs related to the firm.

I thought that the guidance I received from the associates I sat with during my three weeks at the firm was exceptional. Both associate trainers comprehensively explained the projects they were working on, often entailing having to elaborate upon many new concepts I had not yet encountered. Further to this, the support provided by the graduate recruitment team must also be applauded. They were extremely diligent in ensuring that all was well with the vac scheme students and that we were enjoying our time at the firm as much as possible. The trainee buddies assigned to each vacation scheme student were also very much approachable on a more personal level to discuss any remaining queries one had, thus providing an additional supportive element to the students.

Given the nature of the work of a solicitor at a corporate firm such as A&O I am not entirely sure that the skills I developed during my time there shall assist me in terms of the substantive content I deal with in my undergraduate law degree. One important exception to this, however, are the research skills that I was able to develop through completing various tasks at the firm. I am confident that these skills can be applied to any type of legal research, not purely that relating to professional legal concepts. Beyond my degree studies, I am certain that being exposed to some fundamental skills associated with being a corporate solicitor will help me as I pursue a career in the field.

The insight was extremely well structured. As mentioned, there were many different sorts of events and activities planned running parallel with getting to know the day-to-day affairs of the firm through time at one’s desk. I might go so far as to say that there may have been, at times, a few too many events breaking up the desk-time; I was often having to run off from work that I was finding interesting or had to be finished in a short time to attend these events and activities. Despite this, however, the structure, overall, was brilliantly organised and executed.

The prevailing general atmosphere was one of positivity and encouragement. It was clear that all members of the firm, from the trainees to the senior partner, whom we were privileged to meet, wanted you to make the most of your time at the firm. As mentioned, although it would be untrue to say that one never felt stressed, this was often compensated for by the provision of evening events to unwind after deadlines.

I think that the time investment by the firm was the most noticeable factor contributing to my personal training and development. As mentioned, the associate trainers were always prepared to take the time to ensure that one understood what one was currently engaged with. Further to this, the practice area talks were given by senior individuals from the respective departments, to say nothing of the excellent talk given by David Morley, the worldwide senior partner. Being a realist, legal services offered by a magic circle firm are not cheap and are often calculated on the basis of how much time each lawyer spends on any given project. Logically, therefore, it is clear that whilst the personal investment was very much appreciated, a significant financial investment accompanied this.

The insight gave me a good understanding of the nature of life in a full time role at the firm, however, I would suggest that this may have been hindered by the fact that, as mentioned, we were not able to, or not required to, contribute what would have been perhaps more realistic hours. I was often politely told that I should leave as soon as it was around 5:30pm when I might have appreciated being given the opportunity to see what work would be like having to put in some later nights when working at the firm, even if this might be a bit extra work.

The insight helped me understand the company culture to the extent that it applied to the two different practice areas I sat in. I was made aware, however, that the culture within the firm varies from department to department and so was less exposed to other practice areas. In spite of this, however, as mentioned, there was certainly a prevailing culture across the firm which I found appealing and I was able to indulge in during my time there.

The day-to-day content of the scheme helped me affirm my personal desire to pursue a career as a corporate solicitor in various ways. Firstly, as mentioned, there was a practice area talk at the beginning of almost every day, informing the vacation scheme students was life was like within the various departments. Further to this, the tasks and exercises assigned by graduate recruitment (the written exercises and client pitch) or the associate trainers replicated quite precisely what would be expected of you were you to occupy a full time position at the firm. In enjoying these tasks, I am confident that my decision to pursue a career as a solicitor was well met.

The temporary salary was generous with respect to what one is typically paid for vacation schemes at city law firms.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking and meeting other employees at the firm. Two highlights were, firstly, the speed networking lunch, where one was able to talk to associates from every practice area at the firm over the course of a one hour lunch and, second, the partners dinner, with a chance to meet and discuss with several partners at the firm. Otherwise, as mentioned, all employees were happy to take a moment and talk to you if you were to ask kindly.

As discussed above, there were several events organised around giving the vacation scheme students the opportunity to network with other employees at the firm. These events were varied and extremely enjoable. Otherwise, many more leisurely events were planned to give us the chance to spend time with each other in a more relaxed setting, which was often a welcome contrast to the pressures of the workplace.

Upon my associate trainer finding out that I was, like him, a keen musician, I was lucky enough to be invited along to the music room in the basement of the firm’s offices for a practice session after work on one of the days of the scheme. Otherwise, I was informed thoroughly as to the sport teams at the firm and was able to use the office gym during my time there, which was very enjoyable.

I would certainly recommend this scheme to a friend. The opportunity to gain such an in-depth insight into working at one of the top global corporate law firms proved to be an incredible experience. I would recommend this firm primarily, however, based on how accommodating they are to students at this level. The time and effort which clearly was contributed to making the scheme successful cannot be understated and I would be very surprised if any vacation scheme participant did not consider it an extremely worthwhile experience.