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The vacation scheme involved a series of talks from each of the practice areas, along with research tasks that we had to complete. It also involved more informal social events.
Given an overview of various departments through talks with partners and associates in e.g CDR, regulatory defence, and given marked tasks in departments such as corporate, banking and finance. There was an introduction and detail about the firm and the corporate responsibility and mental wellbeing work, with social events on most nights and an in-person dinner on the Thursday.
We were required to carry out tasks for a number of departments including: commercial; banking and finance; restructuring; and construction. We also attended a number of talks from other departments in the firm including: employment; tax; pensions; private client; dispute resolution; and more. There were a lot of opportunities to network across the different offices via Teams calls and messages. Towards the end of the week, we were interviewed for a training contract.
We got involved with various department tasks with corporate, banking and finance, restructuring, and construction. Everyday we had insight and networking sessions which allowed us to meet firm employees and understand the culture and work that goes on.
Within the role we would complete a set of assessed tasks each day for a particular legal team. Before beginning each task we would be briefed by an individual within the legal team and were encouraged to ask any questions. There would be comfort breaks provided and also talks from different legal teams to break up the day and allow us to understand more about the firm.
Although the experience was virtual, Gateley managed to organise a great schedule. Each day focused on a different department, in which we were set tasks to do alongside attending multiple interactive talks from solicitors in the particular sector. The tasks were in Corporate, Banking and Finance, Restructuring and Insolvency, and Construction. At the end of the day there were fun socials to attend (an escape room, a murder mystery and in-person trainee dinner).
The scheme was run online for the first time. Each day involved tasks based on different practice areas of the firm, which gave us an insight in a number of areas. Alongside the tasks, we had presentations from lots of other areas and we had the opportunity to ask a range questions.
We had a series of sessions from solicitors across the firm, giving an overview of their different practice areas via Teams. Several of these involved a task that we worked on around the sessions. We also had sessions on diversity and inclusion, and business development, as well as several social events.
We were given an overview of the firm and insight into the firm’s culture.
Each day we were set a task by associates and senior members of staff to submit each day. We also had a number of insights into different areas of law and the opportunity to meet other trainees.
Each day we were set tasks to complete with a particular unit of Gateley Legal. We were given a supervisor and encouraged to ask any questions necessary, particularly at the check-in meetings throughout the day. We also attended overview and networking sessions with other units and had the opportunity to ask questions of current Gateley solicitors about their work and Gateley. Each day we also had further talks about how Gateley runs as a business.
Throughout the week, I completed tasks in several departments at Gateley, including Corporate, Banking, Restructuring and Construction.
We had a great insight into the firm - there were numerous departmental talks where we could learn about the work that they do and the tasks trainees would be given. Throughout the week we were given tasks similar to that of a trainee. There were also numerous socials so we could get to know the team at Gateley Legal more and receive a greater insight into their culture.
This involved a series of events. Firstly, there were set tasks each day which we would hand in towards the end of the day. There were also team talks and networking opportunities.
Each day, we were given a task to complete by the end of the day and we had a Unit talk every 2 hours.
Multiple talks per day offering an insight into the work of various departments. Daily tasks from various departments offering an insight into the work of a trainee.
Each day we received a task to complete by the end of the day, replicating real tasks that we could expect to receive as a trainee. In amongst our tasks we had overview sessions from the various departments, as well as from diversity and inclusion and responsible business. The day would end with a fun social of some sort, including an escape room and a murder mystery.
We had four different tasks throughout the week from four different departments: Corporate, Restructuring, Banking and Construction. Then throughout the day there was talks with the other departments within Gateley. Finally there was social events to get involved in. Such as an escape room, murder mystery, HIIT class and a dinner.
I really enjoyed the insight at Gateley Legal. The 2-week insight was not only about working. It involved social networking activities across different offices, overviews for different departments as well as group activities. It was engaging and rewarding - it provided insight into Gateley as a company, daily work at Gateley Legal and opportunities to meet people across the company.
My vacation placement at Gateley Legal was very enjoyable because of the welcoming and friendly atmosphere at the firm. On the placement you will be made to feel part of the team and will be given good quality work. There are also several organised social events during which you can get to know the other SVP students and trainees at the firm.
