Summer Vacation Scheme Review

My work was really enjoyable. When I was given the task of putting together bundles and writing chronologies I felt extremely helpful and that my work was genuinely appreciated.

99% of people I met were extremely help and friendly, far more so than I would've expected. When they say open plan they mean it, partners, trainees, senior associates, legal secretaries, are all in the same place, no one has a fancier desk, there is no real segregation. You can literally go up to anyone and sak them for help or direction.

I was given guidance and help whenever I asked for it. I.T training was provided on the first day so when we went into the departments we knew exactly what to do. We were provided with a group summer vacation email address which meant we could easily email each other for help as well.

At times the department work wasn't urgent but it really seemed to depends on the department and what was going on at the time. We were also given a business presentation project on the first tuesday which was presented to a board consisting on a number of individuals including partners and senior associates. It was interesting and we all put a lot of effort in. The presentation was genuine and not simply a time filler or an exercise in teamwork, the board was extremely pleased with the presentations which was exceedingly encouraging and again made us feel appreciated.

It depends on the jobs that you were doing. But at a number of points, such as working on a case looking for it's weaknesses and strengths for an up and coming meeting with the other party seemed like they were really relying on me and my work was genuinely needed. It was exciting but not overwhelming.

I wouldn't say the experience would help me with my degree but it was a fantastic insight into the life as a solicitor and I got a real feel of how being a lawyer in practice compares to study law theoretically.

The office seems very calm even when something important has apparently cropped up... however that may be because they play white noise in the background so they can have the open planned office! I thought it was the aircon!

There could have been better organisation regarding the social events, with places reserved in bars etc so we didn't have to stand around.

We were given training for the I.T and office use, and tasks were explained to us as required, but it was a two week internship and too much training and not enough on the job work would have been a negative anyway.

I am very interested in working for RPC and we took part in an assessment centre style day for a training contract. The firm is exceedingly friendly and is becoming increasingly well known and well respected. It pays very well even compared to the magic circle and silver circle law firms considering that it is not as well known. It seems to strike the balance right between challenging, interesting legal work, and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to work in. There CSR is fantastic, they don't advertise it well enough but they are looking into improving that. The firm is genuine, it's friendly nature with it's attempts to be truly innovative is not simply a white wash to lure you in.

All the vacation placement schemers got on very well, there was no aggresive compeitiveness or unpleasantness which was brilliant, if not surprising in some respects. I suppose everyone was picked because they would fit in with the approachable nature of the company itself. Although the social side of the scheme could be better organised, whenever the firm organised to go out I never had to pay for a drink. We were given a pass with £50 for food in the canteen and some buffet lunches with the partners and trainees were also provided. However, something to eat on nights out drinking, would have been appreciated.

I was very lucky and found a youth hostel just 3 stops away on the DLR in westferry. It cost £136.50 a week and I got my own room, the people weren't noisy but my room was directly facing the main road which was very loud. The scheme paid £550 for the two weeks so it easily covered my living costs, especially as if you came in early for work there was free breakfast and we had £50 for the subsidised canteen lunch which provided fantastically varied and tasty food.

Some good pubs and professional bars near the office.

The company is heavily involved in their CSR work and we spent a lot of time and efforts putting together a business project presentation in which we recommended ways to change and improve their online space regarding this. They were also running a charity football and netball events which we were all invited to, unfortunately it was cancelled due to rain but nonetheless we were provided with food and drinks.