Insight Review at Stephenson Harwood

The Role

Role Description

I had to do tasks for my superviser, 'buddy' and other solicitors in the department. This ranged from taking attendance notes for a conference call, doing a number of research tasks on new areas of law and going to a county court with a trainee.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The people at SH were extremely friendly and I was made to feel part of the team for the 2 weeks I was on placement there. The offices were brand new and very nice to work in. The overall culture of the firm was relaxed and open and it was a very enjoyable placement.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I have already mentioned how friendly the people are at SH. Everyone welcomes you and is interested to get to know you. The trainees are very friendly and you get to know them through events like a bowling night.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Although you are meant to be able to handle some tasks on your own, you do not have to feel shy about asking a stupid question. You have a superviser and a 'buddy' of whom you can ask questions, although many others were also happy to help when I had a query.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I did not have much to do in my first week, but I think this was due to the department I was in. The second week was very busy and the days went extremely quickly which made it very enjoyable.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

As only there for two weeks, you are not given much responsibility.

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

I have learnt a lot on this placement, often through doing new tasks and understanding new areas of law.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Extremely friendly, open and relaxed. All the offices have glass walls and there seems to be an open door policy where most people will be happy to have a chat with you.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very well organised in general. Although I didn't have much to do from my department in the first week, HR had ensured that we had our own task to complete in 'quiet times'.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Hard to say because I was only there for 2 weeks, but I went along to a couple of 'know-how' seminars and we were given many talks from different departments so I ended the time with a good understanding of SH.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Yet to hear.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

All of the people on the scheme were similar, so everyone got along really well. We went for drinks, dinner and a bowling night.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

London, so expensive. The firm did put money behind the bar at organised events.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Good, I expect, as in London, lots of city-type bars.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

There were cricket, football and netball events on whilst I was there which we could have been involved in.

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?

SH is a really friendly firm and a vacation scheme is really worth doing as it is valuable experience and you have an enjoyable 2 weeks.

Review 28/37 for Stephenson Harwood

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