RateMyPlacement
5 days. Performed research tasks for a combination of commercial and pro bono work. Inputting and reviewing data. Met and worked closely with associates and trainees.
- Placed in a practice department (including Employment, IP, Projects, Finance, Litigation) and assigned a Trainee and Associate to oversee and assign tasks for the week - Completed Trainee style tasks such as case, commercial and research for a pro bono client. - Attended a knowledge and case update presentation from the firm to a global client. - Social evenings included wreath making, pizza making, the department christmas social (on the virtual winter vac scheme) - Presentations from departments of the firm including diversity & inclusion, trainee learning development, Wavelength - Pre arranged one-to-one conversation with a Partner from a different department as an opportunity to network and gain different perspective of the firm - There were plenty of opportunities to reach out to other individuals at the firm via grad recruitment who would refer you to someone (everyone I reached out to at the firm was keen to offer their time)
I took on ad hoc tasks given to me by team members. Tasks included proofreading, research and drafting. I was also asked to present some of my research at the end of the week. Additionally, there were various talks and sessions about Simmons & Simmons and the various practice groups the firm has.
Undertook tasks of a trainee solicitor (e.g. reviewing NDAs, research into legislation).
The scheme consisted of 2 days. The first day consisted of presentations and workshops where we were introduced to the firm and some of its practice areas. We also networked with trainees at the firm. On the second day, we were each allocated to a department where we worked with a trainee on live work. For example, I helped to draft and proofread some legal documents.
Our insight programme consisted of two parts. On the first day, we participated in a range of presentations including a partner introduction to the firm, an overview of the fintech department, and a networking session with trainees. On the second day, we were allocated departments and a trainee supervisor to complete live work for clients. My task involved formatting documents and information from foreign counsel, and researching the civil procedure rules for a current disputes case.
There was a timetable for each day of the vacation scheme, with some days consisting of more timetabled sessions than others. For the most part, I spent 3-4 hours per day in 'Department' and then the rest of the day in various sessions and talks with different departments and individuals. We also had two social events during the week, which were great opportunities to meet trainees and get to know the vacation schemers better. All of my tasks were given by my supervising associate and my trainee buddy. Some of these tasks included writing case summaries or carrying out proof reading. I also took part in some cross-border work. As most the week took place online, Teams was very useful to get in contact with different individuals at Simmons.
- Involved in weekly team catch-ups where lawyers discussed ongoing matters in the team and business development opportunities. - Completed tasks such as reviewing and drafting ancillary documents, researching points of law etc. - Daily catch-ups with supervisor and trainee buddy to answer any questions about the firm and about legal career generally - Took part in various training/introductory sessions about various aspects of the firm
A mix of presentations from HR and other individuals from around the firm and departmental experience.
Completed work- often research/ drafting, which was then reviewed and assessed by my direct supervisor. I was frequently engaged in sessions regarding the firm, it’s business and its culture throughout the scheme. I also had a trainee buddy who provided support and further work to be engaged in throughout the week.
Each day varied, but was a mixture of attending talks, speaking to current staff and trainees, preparing for a presentation, and doing work for the department in which you spent the week. There were also coffee socials throughout the day and two longer evening socials.
The vacation scheme involved working within a chosen department (you submit your preferences prior to the week) and assisting with work whilst attending various webinars, workshops, networking sessions, Q&As, 1:1 virtual coffees and socials.
Gained an insight into the operations of an international corporate law firm, shadowing a Real Estate Associate for a week. Sat in on client meetings and collaborated with trainees to contribute to current cases. Developed my researching, drafting, commercial awareness and client communication capabilities.
The Vacation Scheme consisted of group presentations organised by the Graduate Recruitment team, which covered things like FinTech and innovation, as well as sitting in a department and working with a trainee buddy and a supervisor there. I was placed in the Financial Services Regulation department and my day-to-day tasks included sitting in on team meetings, working on FCA documents, and doing research and proofreading for the team. I met daily with my supervisor and other lawyers within the FS Reg team.
We would spend time in our departments completing live work for trainees and associates. During the week we had a coffee with a partner and were able to observe client calls and arrange catch ups with other members of the firm. There were also a number of sessions around responsible business, introductions to areas of law and Q&A sessions with trainees to learn more about the training contract process.
The week was engaging and interesting with several social activities (chocolate and pizza making), talks about technology and the firm, networking sessions and several opportunities to tackle real-life work.
On day one, we listened to a wide range of talks. These included talks about Simmons & Simmons' culture, the pro bono work they do, the emergence of FinTech (something Simmons specialises in), and life as a trainee. On the second day, we were put into a certain division (eg banking, construction, real estate) and given work to do by our trainee supervisors. Our tasks ranged from putting together a presentation, to filling out a tax return for a client! The insight scheme was made up of just 20 attendees, making it a really intimate experience!
I really enjoyed the four days of work experience at Simmons and Simmons. I was very pleased to learn that in light of COVID 19 they adapted their vacation scheme, making it virtual. It proved an excellent opportunity to speak with and learn from a range of employees at the firm. Everyone including my trainee buddy, my supervisor and the partners were very kind and happy to answer questions.
I enjoyed meeting lots of new people however felt the time scale for the workload was unrealistic.
It was very positive and very well organised. A great mix of social events and proper work allowed us to see the firm in an accurate light
