Vacation Scheme Student Review

I really enjoyed my time at Walker Morris. I was given the opportunity to complete interesting work, while also being able to meet a variety or staff members (trainees, senior associates, associates and partners). They also allowed us to attend a social event, which really gave us the opportunity to mingle with junior members of the firm and the graduate partners. 10

I feel extremely valued during my time at Walker Morris. I was given feedback on my work which will be extremely helpful for me going forward in my legal career. Everyone approached me and introduced themselves to me and made a real effort to get to know me. I think after a longer period of time (as my placement was only a week) that there is a community spirit at Walker Morris and that everyone truly loves working for the firm. 9

I was given an induction course and a tour which did help me to manoeuvre the building. I think that one thing that was lacking was IT support. I would have expected someone to go through, how to access a printer and the intranet in a bit more detail. I was able to either work this out myself or ask for guidance, but generally in a law firm I would have expected that as standard. I really don't think that this impacted my placement at all though, as everyone when asked did help and I was never left thinking I can't complete this piece of work because of IT and I don't want to ask anyone. 8

The skills I have developed will truly help me during my career. I know how to match my tone to the audience. One thing I didn't get from the placement is how to work in the office. I think that work placements are largely focused at students (which they should be), but the more soft skills are taken as given with someone already in work. It also helped to increase my confidence in approaching people to speak to them and get guidance. 7

The structure was really clear. We were given a booklet, which had a comprehensive timetable in, that I have relied on throughout my work placement. It also includes where each department is, which has been helpful. There has never been a time that I've been sat with nothing to do, which was something I was slightly worried about. 10

The general atmosphere was really positive. Everyone took an interest in me and my career and made the effort to speak to me. I was even able to speak to a partner who was extremely busy and out of the office for most of the week. I didn't expect everyone to be as friendly as they were and I am actually really impressed of how positive it felt. The other vacation students were also a good mix of people and we really got on with whatever assessment was put in front us and tried to complete it to the best of our ability. 9

I would have liked to receive more feedback. Although I did receive feedback I didn't receive feedback from everyone that I completed work on. It would have been more helpful for them to invest in my work (although not always real work), to go through how to complete work in the specific team I was sitting in. However, the feedback I received was extremely helpful. 7

10 I can truly see what it would be like to work at Walker Morris, even after only a week. The feeling of the firm in terms of the charity work it completes, the positivity the employees have and the work they complete, is really evident after only a short period of time at Walker Morris.

The company culture is what is really evident after working at Walker Morris. You can see that they do truly live their values, there are no two ways about it, they love what they do and love who they work with. 10

Yes - we had a networking lunch on our first day. This was quite difficult to manoeuvre as we were in a board room, but we were able to speak to a variety of people. We also went for drinks on Wednesday night, where all the trainees and grad partners were extremely willing to discuss the firm with you. I have also asked for tours of other departments and the trainees in those teams have been more than happy to accommodate. 10

Yes - I spoke quite a lot about the three peaks challenge that Walker Morris are going to participate in. I was also able to help with a bake sale. Charity work in a law firm is extremely important, so I really enjoyed being able to see in only a week how much Walker Morris does dedicate to these activities. 10

10 The insight was really helpful for me personally. Everyone was really friendly and accommodating. I learnt a lot within a week. I really couldn't praise Walker Morris' vacation scheme any more!