Vacation Scheme (Student) Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my week at the Birmingham office, sitting within the commercial contracts team, I learnt a great deal about areas of law I haven't previously seen. My lack of experience in these areas were not an issue and I was asked to help draft advice for a client by a Partner, after discussing my findings and how the 'black-letter' law applies in practice, I was very proud to see that the Partner even quoted me directly at points!

Shoosmiths really allowed me to feel valued whilst on my placement. When discussing potential advice or contractual changes I was often asked for my opinion and given the freedom to draft potential amendments or changes before someone spent the time to run through my views and discuss the potential suitability of them, or other points which I should maybe consider next time.

I felt fully supported on this scheme, I was assigned two trainees (as they were on part time secondments) as my point of call for any issues or advice I may have. They scheduled in regular meetings and catch-ups to offer advice on the firm, the application procedure and any other questions I may have had. When completing work for a Partner, they scheduled in a catch-up to run through my research, whilst offering praise he also suggested some points which I maybe hadn't considered, particularly in relation to industry specific considerations. Due to the open plan layout of the office, it was clear that there was an 'open door' policy and I was able to have similar discussions with Partners and Senior Associates who took the time to have quality discussions with me.

I have undertaken the placement whilst currently working as a Paralegal so was able to use many of the skills I already have. It was, however, interesting to see the mentality of the firm and I will definitely be using what I learnt about client care and industry considerations in the future.

After the initial introduction I was allowed to work with the team and given work by people of all levels e.g Partner or Paralegal, before completing a presentation on my final day. As the scheme was for only 3 people, it could have perhaps of benefited from a social event which some other firms offer. I ultimately planned some drinks and a lunch with the team to ensure I got a real feel for the firm.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Shoosmiths and would recommend it as a place to apply to everyone thinking about applying! I was given a great insight as to the firm's mentality and strategy as well as exposure to some market leading clients. I had read a lot about how the firm sets itself apart to potential applicants by its collegiate and fun atmosphere, I noticed this immediately when sitting next to a Partner in the open plan seating and also turning out for the firm's 5-a-side team.

As I was only there for 5 days, as a result of this formal personal training and development wasn't really applicable. I was however, given a standard introduction and also supported by those that I was working with. I felt that I was able to approach them with any questions which I may have had. They took time from their busy schedules to discuss with me in depth my findings and how they may have other considerations which would maybe not have been immediately obvious.

The firm was able to cement that this is a firm I would love to work for. The firm has come a long way in the last 15 years and is looking set to continue on its journey with strong forecasted growth and innovative solutions allowing it to distinguish itself from other firms, something which is so vital in the modern legal landscape.

Sitting within a team of around 15 people, I witnessed first hand the companies culture, The culture is a massive draw for when choosing which firms to apply for and Shoosmiths not only promised a lot, but it also delivered. I felt that the firm really values not only its employees as great lawyers but also as individuals outside of the office.

I have already decided on my future career and am currently working in law, so this isn't totally applicable. However, I imagine, if I were a student or a career changer that this scheme would definitely offer me the opportunity to see the firm, its people and the type of work it is involved in (with some market leading clients). For anyone thinking of applying to the firm or any of its schemes, my advice would be to do it!

I was able to arrange to meet others within the firm across all departments, both fee earners and support staff for both lunches and drinks throughout the week. These gave me a chance to ask questions in a less formal setting. Alongside this, I was able to develop relationships when networking.

There were opportunities to both network and socialise within the firm and within all departments, however there was nothing specifically laid on for the scheme. I took lunch with people that I had met on the scheme most days and also went for drinks on two nights out of the five I was at the firm.

I played for the firms 5-a-side team and also attending Friday drinks with some employees I had met in the Real Estate team. Within the commercial Contracts team, I really felt that everyone really enjoyed taking part in socialising outside of work having been to a 'hipster bar in a wigwam' the week before I had joined

If anyone is thinking about applying for this scheme, do it! It really gives you a sense of the firm and shows they mean what they say in their graduate brochure. It's a friendly firm who are on a great path of development due to their people and an understanding of the market which both they and their clients work in, something which is so vital for a modern firm.