Insight Review at Stephenson Harwood

The Role

Role Description

1 week internship. Tasks and duties were mainly legal research and proof-reading.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Thoroughly enjoyable, varied and interesting workload, a surprising amount of responsibility for a vac scheme student, kept in the loop at all times, HR worked very hard to ensure we were getting value out of the placement

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone was extremely friendly and I did not meet one person who treated me like I was just 'in the way'

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was unfortunate in that I was around when my supervisor had a massive case dumped on him in the last minute, but he still tried to assist me as much as he could and he tried to find work for me from around the department

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Always had something to do, although part of the work was a 'placement writing exercise' provided for vac schemers for when we were bored

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Fair bit of responsibility in that some memos/research had to be done for clients by specific deadlines, but couldn't help but think I was just being humoured with some relatively unimportant work. That being said, it would be unreasonable to expect trainees/associates/partners to be placing their important tasks in the hands of a bunch of interns!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was given some good advice on legal drafting and how to use some resources I hadn't come across before, but beyond that I did not learn much that I didn't already know from my legal studies. I think the non-law students would have gained valuable knowledge in how to use legal resources and approach statutes/contracts, but I'm only speculating

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very enthusiastic and very friendly. 'Fun never stopped' is probably pushing it, but I'd love to see the law firm where everything is just constant fun!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The structure of the week and the organisation was faultless

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We had freedom of the office, access to all facilities, a good bundle of events put on for us and we were kept relatively busy

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Fingers crossed...

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

All the vac schemers got along really well, we all went for lunch together a few time, we all went out together with a load of trainees after the assessment day and I was also invited for Christmas drinks with the corporate department (where I was sitting)

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

It's London...

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Nothing happens in Finsbury Circus, but Liverpool Street is nearby and that has a few bars on it

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Corporate drinks and the night out after the assessment day. Other than that, no

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?

This is one of the friendliest firms you will ever work for, the work is diverse and interesting and you wont just be forgotten about once you arrive. Well worth checking out

Review 34/37 for Stephenson Harwood

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