Summer Placement Student Review

The vacation scheme was a fantastic opportunity. The work was always varied and it was great to get an insight into how the firm operates on a day to day basis. It was challenging at times but it has been very rewarding. The vacation scheme went beyond my expectations and the firm were very welcoming.

I felt very valued during my time with the firm. Everyone was very friendly and offered to help if you were struggling with anything from the printer to tasks. The firm made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions if I was confused by a particular task and everyone would help you if you asked them.

I received a lot of support during my vacation scheme. We were assigned a buddy for the duration of the placement. It was a great comfort to have a trainee near you who could answer any questions you may have had. My buddy was helpful with ensuring I understood the work I was given and she answered questions about the firm I had. My buddy also invited my to any conferences or meetings they had to attend which made me feel included during the placement.

I have developed many transferable skills during the two weeks. Thanks to the presentation my powerpoint skills have been refreshed. The placement helped me to understand that writing styles must differ when talking to either colleagues or clients as legal jargon is difficult to understand. I gained an insight into my particular department which will influence my subject choices during my degree and potentially the areas I am most interested in.

The placement was very well structured. We were given a timetable which included any important events or socials which were happening over the two weeks. It allowed us to plan our work around the events which were arranged from us. The talks from trainees and newly qualified solicitors about the firm provided us with a further invaluable insight into life at the firm.

The atmosphere during the placement was great. It was never awkward which I am always apprehensive about in a new working environment. Everyone spoke and said some jokes and I felt comfortable within the firm. Everyone was always smiling and would say hello as they walked by you on the stairs or at the printers. I think the general atmosphere greatly contributed to my overall enjoyment of the firm.

The company heavily invested in the summer placement students. We were all given training on how to work the systems and help was always on hand if we did not know what to do in a particular situation. There was also training events within each team and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend one.

The insight helped me to understand that a role within the firm will never be the same each day. I saw the varied tasks and workload which employees faced. It was comforting to notice that there is a lot of teamwork within the firm which I believe is essential. The placement also allowed me to understand that it will be necessary at times to work beyond 5.30pm.

The insight showed me the firm's culture. It was evident that client's come first and all employees are very friendly. The culture in the firm is very welcoming and everyone is understanding. It is a very comfortable environment to work in. It was evident that the firm continues to invest employees as their career's progress.

The content was very valuable. It was intriguing to see the tasks trainees, newly qualified solicitors and partners handle on a day to day basis. It confirmed to me that I would like to work in a global commercial law firm when I graduate.

Social events were organised both inside and outside of office hours if you were able to attend. The firm also understood if you were unable to attend.

The social events allowed us the opportunity to meet trainees in an informal environment and ask them anything we wanted to know about the firm. Meetings and conferences with clients were also held and we were allowed to greet clients and sit in on meetings with them where appropriate.

Yes, employees told us about various activities you could get involved in. Recently, it was the CMS World Cup. They also told us about challenges which employees faced in order to raise money for charity. The opportunities to carry out pro-bono work and work within the community were also explained to us.

Yes I would highly recommend the placement to a friend. Not only is it rewarding, it helps to consolidate the information learned at university and allows you to decide if working in a commercial law firm is for you.