Internship Review at Mayer Brown International LLP

The Role

Role Description

I had two seats split over three months - the first being in the firm's Corporate department, the second in the firm's EU & Competition department. In my first seat I sat with a trainee (as my proposed supervisor was away) and it was a good insight into life as a trainee in this department in particular. I was able to help her with tasks and although the department was very busy and very large, everyone was friendly and I felt comfortable going round to offices asking if anyone needed help. One partner in particular set me a task, he already knew the answer to the question but wanted to see if I could find it as well. Although I didn't find the full answer, I was really attracted to how much time he gave to explain things through to me and the emphasis given on my development and learning at the firm.
For the last two days of my seat in the corporate department, I sat with an associate and was able to proof-read documents then attend a telephone interview in relation to the same case.
Halfway through the scheme we were taken to Brussels for a day which was a real perk! Throughout the scheme different nights out were arranged - dinners, snacks, drinks, bowling and so on.
During my second seat, unfortunately my supervisor was away on leave. However, despite being in a room alone, the EU & Competition department were very friendly and always ready to answer any questions. I undertook real tasks and felt like my contribution was appreciated. All in all, a great vac scheme, you just have to make sure you're ready to seek work out and others will then be happy to give it to you. On top of that there was a group presentation to organise for the last day of the scheme - this was at times stressful but fun, and talks organised especially for the vac scheme students to have an overview of some of the firm's different departments.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I did find myself exhausted towards the end of the scheme, it does at times feel like a three-week-long interview but it was a satisfying and enjoyable experience and I felt like I learnt a lot.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was often invited to lunch or meetings, and when I had done good work I felt like it was appreciated.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Even when the solicitors (from trainee or PSL to associate or partner) were very busy, they were very happy to help when they had the opportunity too.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I often had to come in early or stay late to work on the group presentation as I was busy working on other things through the day.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As a student who'd never studied law I really appreciated the amount of responsibility I was given.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Very different in the two departments I sat. In corporate, it felt slightly more cut-throat whereas EU was more chilled out.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Graduate recruitment were great in having a prospectus of our scheme prepared on the first day and we had been told to keep certain days free prior to the scheme. The only event I don't think we were alerted to with enough time was that there was drinks on the first night but I think everyone could make it all the same!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I felt really valued by the firm, even at the end of the placement there was a feedback interview with graduate recruitment for them to help understand how your experience had been with the firm.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• International Travel
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I start my training contract in 2011.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Yes, there were many events with fellow vac schemers and we shared many lunches together.

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Being in the City, the cost of living and eating out is high but there are the normal café chains and restaurants nearby.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It seemed pretty good from what I saw of the socials, many businessmen-style clubs but we weren't too far from Old Street/Shoreditch either.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

As long as you ask and what you're asking is feasible I think there are these opportunities.

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?

The interview process was by far the most pleasant I'd had last year - a short competency-based interview with a friendly member of graduate recruitment. You can apply for an Open Day prior to all this as well which I found helpful and less daunting when I came both for the interview and the vac scheme.

Review 2/40 for Mayer Brown International LLP

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