RateMyPlacement
A 3-day virtual vacation scheme where there were only 20 places. Partook in group tasks, written assessments and delivered a 15-minute presentation at the end of the scheme. The presentation was followed by an interview with two partners. Throughout the week we were involved in tasks that trainees were usually expected to complete and attended numerous legal workshops. A jam-packed schedule that allowed you to get to know the firm personally.
The vacation scheme took place virtually over three days. Each day, we usually had a trainee task to do, and several workshops and talks from each division within the firm. We also had opportunities to network with the current trainee solicitors at the firm and the other vacation scheme participants. At the end, we had to deliver a presentation focused on business development within our chosen sector of the firm.
A 3 day insight into the workings of the law firm Shoosmiths. A great opportunity to meet staff Shoosmiths from across the firms different offices and different sectors. The placement involved a number of stimulating tasks and workshops with the project being a personal highlight. We were also given a lot of Q&A opportunities which improved our understanding of the work of the firm and the culture of the firm. A very enjoyable experience.
It was the first virtual vacation scheme that the firm had run, lasting for 3 days with talks from lawyers in each of the firm's core practice areas and sectors. We were also set a mini assignment, a group exercise and project which I presented on the final day, and also had time built in to meet my trainee buddy and mentor for the project.
A mixture of workshops, group tasks and a business development project.
Over the 3 days I completed a business development project which I presented to a training principal and my mentor on the final day. This was self directed. Additionally, I took part in workshops and presentations which gave an insight into the different sectors and the work of a trainee. Q&As with trainees and partners helped to get a real understanding of the firm experience. There were also group tasks and mini assignments to actively encourage a trainee-like experience.
On a day-to-day basis the firm gave us lots of information about the firm and how the firm assists clients in a fast-paced legal environment. There was a lot of interaction with buddies, mentors and graduate recruitment throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. Every single member of the team were so friendly and made me feel so welcome. Not only was I given real work to do, but I was also invited to a couple of social events. It was a great experience and I really looked forward to going into the office each day!
I enjoyed learning more about the practice area in which I was placed, and enjoyed meeting with different lawyers. I didn't feel like I got a good insight into the firm though.
The vacation week at Shoosmiths was very enjoyable. I was given a variety of tasks from different departments including the graduate recruitment team. This meant I had to effectively time manage in order to complete all the tasks. Additionally, all the staff I interacted with were very friendly, making the office environment very welcoming.
I really enjoyed the insight into Shoosmiths - I felt that I got an authentic view of the firm and I was welcomed warmly by the whole team. I was challenged to the right extent while having fun too, and I gained much from my experience on the Vacation Scheme.
I very much enjoyed the one-week paid placement I undertook at Shoosmiths. Not only was the team I was placed in incredibly friendly, but the whole office. This made it a genuinely enjoyable week. In addition to this, the work was really interesting, again adding to the great experience I had.
I really enjoyed my time at Shoosmiths. The entire firm were approachable and friendly. The team I was in took the time to get to know me as well as develop my learning. I have nothing but good things to say about the firm and the Vacation Scheme has left me with a positive view of Shoosmiths.
I really enjoyed my one week placement with Shoosmiths. I was given really interesting tasks and really great support from everyone that I worked with and was provided with really helpful feedback on all tasks that I completed. The placement provided a great insight into the culture of the firm and confirmed that it was where I wished to pursue my legal career.
The vacation scheme was a really good insight into the practicalities of life as a commercial lawyer. I was given real work by different team members, other than just my trainee 'buddy'. This made it clear that I was being given real work with very real implications, rather than artificial tasks that did not actually mean much in reality.
The vacation scheme at Shoosmiths was a fantastic opportunity to observe the day-to-day responsibilities of solicitors, understand the challenges they face and gain an overall insight into the profession. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight because I was able to talk to partners, senior associates, paralegals, legal executives and trainees about their time at the firm. They gave me great advice which I can draw on in the future.
The weeks was incredibly enjoyable and I learnt much about the culture of the firm. The chance to experience a new area of the law was a great challenge and I was well accommodated by the team.
I had a fantastic week at Shoosmiths. Everybody that I met was very welcoming and the team that I sat with went out of their way to help me get the most out of the week. The work that was set was engaging and challenging, which gave me a great insight into the life of a trainee solicitor and made the week thoroughly enjoyable.
My week at Shoosmiths has been thoroughly enjoyable. Everyone here has been so friendly and welcoming, and I feel I got a true insight into what life as a solicitor is like. Compared to previous placements I have had too, I have felt truly looked after and it has been well-organized. The culture of Shoosmiths is as good as their website makes it out to be, and that is not true for many law firms.
Excellent insight into the law firm, through the 1 week vacation scheme. Candidates are given the opportunity to choose their preferences of which department they'd like to work in, however, your Host (a trainee solicitor) will encourage you to speak to other departments and ask questions about other areas of work. I enjoyed learning more about how the firm sticks to it's values and the workload expected of trainees.
