Vacation Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the placement. Being able to experience 2 practice areas (one week each) gave a good insight into the type of work that TW do, it highlighted their sector focus, and helped me to see whether TW was for me. Furthermore, the talks about each department gave further insight into the other departments that we could not experience in our 2 weeks - this will be particularly helpful in the future when thinking about seats for training contracts.

I felt very valued: lots of social events were put on for us and every employee at TW took the time to speak to us and answer any questions we had; the open door policy is definitely true. Having a trainee buddy and a supervisor was beneficial as we had two points of contact. TW employees were passionate about their work and wanted to share it with us. I didn't just feel like a student, I felt like they valued and wanted us to be there.

The induction was informative so that we knew what was going on throughout the two weeks. During the placement our supervisors and buddies also offered a lot of support and time to help us settle in, do our work and ensure we had the opportunity to answer questions. Furthermore, even when we were set work by other employees they would take the time to explain the background of the case, what needs to be done and would generally always offer feedback and discuss it.

Having appraisals at the end of each week with our supervisors was useful as they gave us feedback including constructive points that we can take forward to whatever job we end up in. Furthermore, discussions with the employees that set us work also provided the same kind of feedback. I have definitely learnt more about commercial law and how a commercial law firm works on a day to day basis and the presentations were helpful to learn more about TW's departments and to see how we are suited to them.

The insight was very structured: we received a timetable and were constantly informed about where to meet for socials etc. The last week was quite hectic as we had to make time to prepare for our group presentations, attend the department presentations and obviously complete work for our department. However, I think that these different commitments are representative of what working in a commercial law firm is like and so this also made sure that we prioritised our tasks. It was nice that we were left to organise when to work on our presentations as this helped us plan around our work.

Everyone was keen to speak to us and chat about their own experiences at TW; this is from trainees all the way up to partners. The atmosphere in the offices was also very positive; it is clear that everyone enjoyed their jobs and enjoyed learning new things and encountering new challenges. Furthermore, all of the vacation scheme students were easy to get along with and work with. The socials were also a nice way to relax at the end of the day.

As I have mentioned, after any work that we did generally the people that set it would sit down with us and discuss the task and offer some feedback on our performance. Likewise, the appraisals gave us good advice to take forwards. Therefore lots of time was put into this. The presentations put on were also very detailed and some gave us case studies that we could work on in groups which helped us to see what type of work would be encountered and whether we are suited to this.

It gave an extremely thorough representation of what it would be like to work with TW. We got to see two departments for a week each, but then we also learnt about some of the others through presentations. Chatting to a variety of different people at the firm also helped us to understand TW's culture, values, strategies and industry focus. The general atmosphere of TW could also be felt.

I think that the answer is pretty much the same as the above which shows that the company culture is truly embedded into the everyday life of the firm. The values of TW were clear throughout the whole two weeks and there were plenty of opportunities to discuss these with people. Likewise, the industry focus was clear throughout the departments. The two weeks helped me to see how the company culture played out in practice.

It definitely made me realise that I want to work for TW, but if I do not receive an offer it means that I know what kind of law firm I want to work at, and what kind of clients I want to work with. It has also made me realise the important of a company's strategy and values and how I must fit in with these when applying to work at a firm; otherwise I won't enjoy the experience at the firm and the firm won't want me. The strategy is important to everything that a firm does.

I was paid £275 a week. My travel ended up costing around £100 a week so I did still make some money, however I know that people who stayed in London did not end up making much.

There were plenty of opportunities to meet employees, perhaps too many as by the end of the two weeks we'd run out of questions as we had had so many opportunities to ask them. As well as formal opportunities such as the presentations and lunches, TW's employees are extremely happy for you to come and knock on their door and ask them any questions.

The social opportunities were good - we went to Bounce, went cocktail making and had a three course dinner and were also invited to TW's summer party. It was nice that trainees attended as we could chat to them about TW some more. The networking opportunities were mainly over lunch and drinks on the first day and lunch on the last day. However, I feel like we didn't need anymore simply because we could approach anyone in the office.

The employees spoke a lot about other things that they did e.g. choir, triathlons, softball. There was also the chance to attend pro bono activities. In my seat in corporate tech they spoke a lot about TW's Second Home and the opportunity to go and meet start ups in a open office style event and offer them advice which is something quite unique to the firm. Although this is work it is something outside of the office.

Definitely, it was a great two weeks. I learnt a lot about commercial law but most importantly about the firm. It helped me to see why TW is different from its competitors and emphasised that I do want to work for them. I think that spending two weeks at a firm is one of the most valuable experiences in order to gain an insight into the firm and whether the firm is for you.