Vacation Scheme Student Review

The placement was greatly enjoyable, undertaking work that was both engaging and challenging. My supervisor provided with a wide range of work ranging from drafting board minutes to research tasks into elements of insolvency law. Additionally, obtaining work from other associates and partners within the department further provided me with experience in a wealth of matters.

At times I did not feel that my position of a vacation scheme student was taken seriously by senior members of the firm, however, this is to be slightly expected. However, my supervisor and members of the department did provide me with sufficient time to obtain valuable experience, begin to understand the role of a trainee and see where I would fit into the firm, so such potential undervalue was mitigated by a high level of engagement in the work.

Whilst at times I was not given as much guidance and assistance I would have liked when undertaking work for individuals other than my supervisor, generally, the support has been excellent. Trainees within my department were genuinely concerned with my enjoyment of the placement, providing frequent reassurance that should I need assistance from them, I would be able to obtain it.

I don't believe my experience on the scheme will benefit me in terms of degree studies, however wider skills such as time management and public speaking were definitely enhanced whilst I was on the scheme.

The structure of the scheme could be improved slightly whereby trainee presentations were not very organised with trainees improvising rather than giving an visualised presentation. The assessments and social events were excellently organised and should not be changed greatly, if at all.

The atmosphere was very positive throughout, both amongst vac schemers as well as the staff more generally. The team seemed to be very cohesive, which is one of the primary benefits of a having a single-site firm, which is further facilitated by the various events that each department seems to have frequently.