Insight Review at Mayer Brown International LLP

The Role

Role Description

The three week placement consisted of two seats. In the first seat I updated a table of merger laws across different jurisdictions. I was also given various research tasks. In the second seat I was given a lot of research tasks (both law and non-law based). I was also asked to summarise cases and to apply them to my supervisor's relevant project.

I gained a good insight into the type of work that a trainee solicitor would carry out and was provided with guidance where necessary. Everybody that I met and spoke to were very friendly, approachable and happy to discuss the profession and company in detail.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was looking to gain an insight into the legal profession and more particularly the life of a trainee solicitor. By sitting with an associate of the firm, and being given work from various members of the department, I was able to gain a good appreciation of the type of work that I would encounter as a trainee solicitor. The programme was well tailored for this purpose and also provided a good overview of the various different departments within a law firm.

I was able to socialise with other members of the scheme through the various socials that were put on throughout my vacation scheme.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The piece of work that I was given in my first seat needed to be completed relatively urgently and the department was busy with other matters, by completing the piece of work I was able to relieve some of the work load of the department. I was also told that the research that I did in my second seat was useful for my supervisor and saved her time.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

All tasks were explained well and both supervisors ensured that I fully understood all aspects of the task before I commenced. I was continuously advised to ask them if I had any questions at all. This was also true of other members of the department. Both supervisors took time out to answer any of my questions, whether they were work related or general questions about the firm/profession.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

In my first seat I had the constant task of updating the table and was also given small research tasks from time-to-time. In my second seat my supervisor introduced me to all members of the department and asked them to send any work my way. She was careful to ensure that I was not given work by too many different people.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I was given a good amount of responsibility, with regards to the pieces of work that I was doing. I was allowed to present my work in my own way and alter documents if I thought that they needed improving. All work was checked by a trainee/associate before being submitted. The amount of responsibility was just right.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I developed several skills such as research, multi-tasking and communication skills which I believe will assist me in my future career as a trainee solicitor and beyond.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I built up a good rapport with my first supervisor and felt very comfortable speaking with her. This meant that the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. In my second seat the department was much larger and all members were very friendly, this also provided a relaxed atmosphere.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Three months before the internship the firm organised an open day, designed to introduce the interns to one another and to the company. On the first morning of the internship, graduate recruitment organised talks and ice-breaking exercises. Both of these events were great for easing us in to the placement.

Throughout the placement various socials were arranged, allowing the interns and graduate recruitment to socialise in a less formal manner. Trainees and associates were also invited to these events and they were a great way to learn more about the firm.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Considering the short time of the placement, the firm was able to invest a decent amount of personal training and development by means of talks, mini classes and training by supervisors.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Company Parties/Events

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was very happy to receive a job offer with the firm and will be accepting it. I would recommend anybody considering a career in law to do an internship as they are a great way to find out if you are compatible with the firm and also a good way to try to get a job with them.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

All interns met everyday for lunch and at various times went for drinks after work at the local pub.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The subsidised cafe and after work socials helped to keep the cost of living down. In addition there were numerous cafes and restaurants nearby at standard London prices.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I unfortunately did not experience the nightlife in the area that I worked, but I visited numerous bars and pubs that were in abundance and buzzing with city professionals.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

During my placement there was a charity rugby competition and an inter-department football competition. There were also department socials that the interns were invited along to.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I had a really great experience and would advise anybody considering a career in a large commercial law firm to apply for a vacation scheme with Mayer Brown. The scheme gave a good representation of the life of a trainee solicitor and was also very enjoyable.

Review 30/40 for Mayer Brown International LLP

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