This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
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The Company
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Everything Else
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
Thoroughly enjoyed it. The vacation scheme was well structured and a proper insight into the actual work which goes on in an international commercial law firm. The work during the day was engaging and the feedback constructive. Whilst some aspects were more enjoyable than others, I felt as though the scheme offered a rounded insight into life at the firm.
Felt valued in the sense that they wanted to put a lot of time and effort into producing the 'lawyers of the future'. Some of the work which I was able to help out on was current and had consequences for the firm. Whenever there was a piece of work which had actual ramifications it was recognised.
Throughout the insight there was a nexus of people who were clearly able and willing to help, though nearly everyone who I was introduced to would have been happy to do so as well. In particular, the trainees were always around to help out, even if there were queries about which printer to use etc.
They will assist me in the quest to become a lawyer. The vacation scheme was especially insightful in identifying the key skills necessary for lawyers and the ways in which they could be developed. In this way, the scheme was very useful in preparing me in both the immediate and long term.
The Company
Very well structured. The timetable for the scheme was outlined on the first day and the scheme stuck to that all the way through. The timetable incorporated a good mix of talks, socials, and time to work/get to grips with the office and the 'real' work which goes on. Great.
The general atmosphere was one which was chilled but also purposeful. There was never any fear that you may be laughed at for incapability or lack of legal nous and everyone was incredible welcoming and helpful. The Graduate Recruitment Team in particular were always readily available to sort out any queries.
Shearman & Sterling invest considerable time and money into all of the vacation scheme students, whether that was through the time spent with associates during the day, socials in the evening, lunches, or the lawyers’ time whilst they were presenting talks. In addition, everyone was willing to spend some time to answer questions throughout the course of the scheme.
Shearman & Sterling invest considerable time and money into all of the vacation scheme students, whether that was through the time spent with associates during the day, socials in the evening, lunches, or the lawyers’ time whilst they were presenting talks. In addition, everyone was willing to spend some time to answer questions throughout the course of the scheme.
One of the major features of the company’s culture which the vacation scheme helped me realise was that of ‘face time’. Unlike other law firms, Shearman & Sterling does not deem it necessary, nor useful to detain employees if there is no work for them to be doing and this produces a healthy atmosphere which promotes employees who are prepared to work hard when necessary.
Everything Else
All of the socials provided the opportunity to meet every level of employee from the firm and gave substantial opportunity to talk with them about every element of their work and how their struck their work/life balance. There was absolutely no direct contact with any other vac schemers from another firm, though quite a few of the lawyers had spent some of their career at other firms.
Over the course of the two weeks there were three major socials, where there was an opportunity to meet and talk with trainees, associates, and partners as well as a couple of lunches which made it possible to talk with the lawyers on a more one to one basis. This provided sufficient opportunity to socialise and network.
I would definitely recommend this vacation scheme to a friend. It proved to be insightful and informative, and there were plenty of opportunities to do the things which I wanted to do before I arrived. Most of all, however, the scheme was great fun and spending time with the other people on the scheme (with who I got on very well) was enjoyable every day.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
July 2016