Vacation Scheme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme, it was a wonderful experience to work alongside partners, junior solicitor, associates, and trainees and to gain insight into the legal field at a highly ranked full-service law firm that completes dynamic work in various practice areas including corporate, intellectual property, property, and commercial law.

All members of staff at Shoosmiths-from the receptionist and secretary to administrative staff, partners, paralegals, and junior solicitor-all made me feel welcome, at ease, and delighted to be at the firm. Any nerves I had about commencing a vacation scheme were immediately dispelled.

I received extensive guidance, particularly from This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions, the head of Graduate Recruitment at the firm and also by This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions, another important member of the Graduate Recruitment team. Both This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions ensured that I was well-informed about the vacation scheme placement, participated fully in activities at the firm, and was fully engaged with work during my time at the firm.

Completing a vacation scheme at Shoosmiths provided me with valuable insight into the legal field that has been extremely beneficial.

The structure of the vacation scheme was thorough and I had activities to participate in or work to carry out on behalf of partners and associates. I never had a dull moment and even my birthday party was secretly planned by the very thoughtful trainees at Shoosmiths!

The atmosphere at the firm is particularly friendly, and this is an important distinctive feature of the firm. The firm has lawyers with storied accomplishments, but who were willing to engage in conversations with myself and other vacation scheme students, and also provide as much assistance as possible during the process. I felt as though I was a valued member of the Shoosmiths team and it was an unforgettable experience, particularly since this was my first vacation scheme placement. It was an excellent experience and I looked forward to coming into the office each morning and greeting members of the corporate team. I was disheartened when the scheme ended as I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the firm.

The firm provided opportunities for me to participate in skills session alongside other trainees and team meetings that were both beneficial for development and training. I also had the opportunity to sit in an open-seat environment and thus was able to develop personally by observing the work of trainees, junior solicitors, senior associates and partners at the firm.

The vacation scheme provided excellent insight into the life of Shoosmiths trainees, and my trainee buddy/supervisor, This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions, was particularly helpful in ensuring that I received insight into the work carried out by trainees.

I got first-hand experience of the firm's culture and ultimately the firm's reputation of being friendly and collegiate is well-deserved. The culture and outstanding nature of the work are definitely strong aspects of the vacation scheme.

The firm provided me with the right balance of work and insight into the legal field to affirm my commitment to a career in law. I was able to undertake legal work that involved real life tasks such as researching, drafting, and analysing and assessing documentation. Since these were the type of tasks I hoped to engage in as a solicitor, the content of the work at Shoosmiths allowed me to gain the necessary insight to ensure I could make an informed decision on my career path as a lawyer, and specifically as a solicitor.

I was adequately paid for the vacation scheme and was treated to lunch by trainees who showed myself and other vacation scheme interns around the town.

I went to lunch with trainees at the firm on a regular basis and also had the opportunity to attend a networking event with partners, associates, trainees, and paralegals after work.

There were networking opportunities across departments with trainees, with fellow vacation scheme students and even with partners and associates. The firm is very non-hierarchical even though the firm's partners and associates have worked on some of the most cutting-edge deals. I was very impressed.

There is an excellent work/life balance at Shoosmiths that allows trainees, junior solicitors, paralegals, associates, and partners to have a life outside work.

I would strongly recommend completing a vacation scheme at Shoosmiths; the insight and experience is invaluable.