Vacation Scheme Review

It was definitely a good way to gain an honest insight into the firm, as well as the work of trainees and lawyers, showing us both the work and the social sides of being a lawyer for the firm.

Everyone I have met on my placement have been so friendly and supportive. There has not been anyone who has refused to help or discuss any questions I have raised. I have also been given real client work, despite having little experience, and my supervisor has continuously supported and praised me along the way, helping me to feel part of the team and firm, and developing my skills at the same time.

Despite being extremely busy, my supervisor always took the time to sit me down and go through any tasks or work I was set to make sure I understood it, and showed me how a trainee would approach the work. After completing tasks, he also went through my work with me, suggesting amendments and different ways I could improve it, as well as giving praise when he felt I had completed tasks well.

The workload varied depending on how much work came in for the department and also what my supervisor could make available for me to do. In my first week, I had a range of work and had more than enough to keep me busy throughout the day and including working late if I wanted. The second week was slightly less busy, but my supervisor managed to get me some cases from different departments, giving me a good insight into the different types of works trainees do.

I was given more responsibility than I expected! I worked on quite a few pieces of work that either went to senior Partners or to clients. Having come from a non-law background and having no experience in this sort of work, it was challenging, yet very rewarding knowing that the work I have completed has helped towards a real case that the firm is working on.

The tasks I have been set have helped me to develop many of the transferable skills I have picked up during my studies. What I also learnt was how different tasks could highlight my strengths and weaknesses and that made me sit back and think about how I could improve certain skills. These skills and abilities will help me for my studies and whatever career I decide to choose later on.

There was definitely a good balance between the very laid back atmosphere, where everyone was very friendly and helpful, and the more serious, working side.

The placement was well organised, with work and social events well planned out. It gave us a good, honest insight into the firm.

The lawyers and HR put in a lot of effort to ensure we got an honest insight into the firm. Not only was everyone in the office very helpful, but we had daily presentations about the different practice groups from the lawyers and trainees, who clearly put in a lot of effort to deliver these. The amount of support offered made me feel like I was part of the firm and the advice given about my work has helped me to develop certain key skills over these two weeks.

The firm offers everything I would like in an employer and a law firm.

Events were organised to ensure that we got an insight into the social side of being a lawyer. They were a lot of fun and really helped us to get to know everyone.

As the office is in the City of London, local social scenes are quite expensive, but the events were all paid by the firm!

I have not personally experienced the nightlife, but from seeing the bars and pubs in the local area, it looks like there is a lot going on!

I have been involved in CR events, as well as standard social events outside of work.