Vacation Scheme Student Review

Although some tasks were repetitive, my supervisor always ensured that I fully understood why I was completing the tasks that I had been set. This ensured that I had an excellent understanding of the background to most of the cases that the department is currently working on. I received a good mix of research tasks. I was also very pleased to be able to attend a client presentation and networking session. Overall, my three weeks at the firm were an incredibly educational experience.

From the legal secretaries to the partners, everyone was extremely respectful and seemed genuinely interested in me as a person. Everyone was approachable and willing to answer any questions. If they were busy they would give me a time to come back when they would be able to speak to me and answer my questions properly. I was asked by several fee earners what I was looking to get out of the placement and took my response on board. I said that I would like to attend a client meeting and the next day I was booked into sit in on a client meeting.

My supervisor couldn't have been more welcoming and approachable. She challenged me when she could see that I was interested and yet supported me when I was finding tasks too difficult. She was also very willing to share her own experiences in the legal sector which was very interesting and helpful to hear.

Almost always had several tasks on at once. If I had nothing to do, I felt quite comfortable with approaching anyone in the department and asking them if they needed help with anything.

Although I was mainly set tasks that were far removed from the client level, I was allowed to take the initiative on the tasks that I had been set. I felt that the department had shown that they could trust me when I was invited to network with a potential client.

I have definitely learnt skills at Nabarro that will equip me well to embark upon a training contract and later on in life. I have been able to see the practical side of the law, which is something that is not often made obvious during a law degree, and have been able to gain an appreciation of what a client is looking for from a law firm.

Everyone was very focussed and were evidently capable at their job, however, during several social events after work I was able to see the fee earners in a more relaxed atmosphere - at the firm's Battle of the Bands and when I was invited out to drinks with a partner and two associates one evening.

Overall, the placement was very well organised with social events being well distributed through the three weeks and at appropriate times. However, at times I felt that the graduate recruitment department could have communicated better with the individual departments that the vacation schemers were placed with.

Generally in the department I felt that the firm placed a significant emphasis on the importace of the vacation scheme. This was particularly obvious to me in the way in which my supervisor committed herself to creating a wothwhile experience for me.

I would really love to work for Nabarro and hope that I am offered a training contract with them after my interview tomorrow!

A really great balance of social events - organised by the graduate recruitment team and organised by the vacation schemers themselves.

Central London is unavoidably expensive.

Lots of bars and clubs are very accessible from the offices and the firm has strong links with the restaurant and bar directly opposite the office.

Several offers went around for opporunities to be involved with a cricket match, the Corporate Games and Battle of the Bands.