A lot!!! RPC puts a lot of emphasis on the branding aspect - unlike most political parties, RPC actually stick to the rip up the rule book manifesto. This results in a really collaborative feel with the whole firm, it isn't intimidating to talk to anyone however senior they are! With regards to the trainees - they hire recruits for the training contract based on their personality as well as their aptitude. The 1st and 2nd year trainees all had bags of character and it was really fun to spend time with them and talk to them about life in and out of the firm. During the vacation scheme there are a few social events, in the middle of the first week we went to clue quest with the trainees (where you're locking in a room for about an hour and have to solve puzzles to get out) followed by dinner and drinks. On Friday we had a tour around the Lloyds Insurance building on Lime Street (fascinating place), again this was followed by drinks for everyone on the vacation scheme to get to know each other better. The following week has a dinner with the trainees - which invariably ends up at a variety of London establishments and learning how to hold a hangover in the office with grace. Some would say more importantly, the work itself was really interesting, challenging and your supervisors are willing to give you loads of responsibility, even if you've never read a legal case in your life! I had the opportunity to visit a case management conference for a high profile case which I had read about in the news and gather information for a press release about cyber crime in the retail industry! Overall, the combination of great people, interesting work and fantastic socials made for a really enjoyable fortnight!
The scheme was really enjoyable and fun. There were a lot of activities ranging from socials to presentations to help you get a better grasp of what the firm is all about. The scheme was relaxed in order for you to be yourself and not feel too under pressure.
Very much so. Both the work and the activities were interesting and informative. In the office, not only the trainees but all the lawyers speak to you and explain to you what they're doing. As for the activities, the trainees who accompany you are interested, engaging and fun. The whole experience immerses you in RPC's culture, thereby offering a clear impression of what working for the firm might be like - and, in my case, that impression was excellent.
I really enjoyed my placement, by the end of the two weeks at RPC I felt like I'd worked there for ever, which is not in any way a bad thing! There was a wide range of activities and experiences for the vacation scheme students, exposing us to all levels at the firm.
It was a really good experience. Our activities ranged from doing real work on the departments floors to networking with members of the firm. We were kept busy, balancing work with socials, but still had plenty of time to find out more about the firm.
I really enjoyed my time at RPC. The main positive was how welcoming everybody at the firm was - at times I actually did forget that I was a summer student at the firm, rather than a full time employee! I think this says more about the type of person RPC tries to employ, than anything else.
The insight at RPC was extremely well organised, informative and enjoyable. I was able to talk with employees at the firm from a range of different departments who were at a numerous different stages in their law career, from trainees through to partners. Individual partners took the time to give in depth presentations about the departments they worked in and the work they were currently doing, making the sessions interactive and entertaining. I was able to shadow a trainee in their day to day work and get a real insight into what life at the firm would be like. The insight was packed with useful information and made me feel like the firm was already making a significant investment in my legal career. The insight ultimately led to my decision to apply for a Training Contract at RPC.
The whole placement was very well thought out with the students in mind. Pre and post communication was also very well conducted and I didn't feel anxious to get in contact if I had clashes with the schedule (eg. rescheduling the interview). Certainly a unique emphasis on self-improvement given the feedback that you received throughout the time there.
I can honestly say that I enjoyed every aspect of the scheme. It was an extremely beneficial experience for me both in terms of finding out more about a career as a solicitor and about whether RPC is a firm that I would enjoy working for. I spent the first week in the Professional Risks department and the second week in Corporate Insurance and was constantly inundated with a variety of tasks to complete. Not once did I have to go hunting for work and tasks were set by a mixture of partners, associates and trainees.
I have really enjoyed the summer scheme. The work has been very varied and supplemented by lots of educational talks and socials. It has been much more enjoyable than some other schemes I have experienced. The firm has such a unique culture - I really felt like I could be myself and express my personality without worrying - in fact it was encouraged!