Vacation Scheme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme, I was put in my chosen department and found the work varied and interesting. It ranged from doing research in the library on points of law that were relevant in modern cases, to visiting other solicitors office to witness declarations, to learning about and reading leases/licences etc. The department was large yet still felt completely accessible if I didn't understand my task and everybody was very friendly, chatty yet professional, so I really enjoyed the office atmosphere and sense of teamwork.

I felt part of the team throughout my placement. Even though I only spent a week there I was involved in current tasks and so the staff did a great job of integrating me into the firm. We were involved with the social side of the firm as well which I thoroughly enjoyed, as I learned a lot about the firm and it's culture.

I received a fantastic amount of support and guidance throughout the week. I asked a great deal amount of questions so it was nice that the staff were ok with this and I never felt as if I couldn't approach somebody and talk with them, even the partners. It is a very supportive network that allows you to perform at your best level.

In one week I have learned so much about law and the practicality of it, and developed many skills like research, negotiation, drafting and networking. This will help dramatically when it comes to either future vacation schemes or my career. It is also very refreshing to see how the theory you learn at university is applied in the real world.

The scheme had a detailed timetable of workshops, social events and introductions so I always knew what I was going to be doing and so could manage my department work around the other events..

The general atmosphere was professional yet relaxed. The staff are genuine, friendly and happy to talk to you and so every day I felt happy to work and be involved with the firm. There is a real sense of community within the firm.

The firm invested in us by holding workshops for us in terms of a mock employment tribunal and a mock negotiation exercise. These gave us an insight into what the real thing was like and helped us develop the skills we need in order to excel in them in the future.

Throughout the week I felt very comfortable in my department, as if I had been working there for a long time and had known the staff for a while. The scheme has done a great job of illustrating the every day life of a trainee solicitor.

The company culture really shone through the scheme, and so makes you understand how it differs from other law firms. There is no other law firm quite like Walker Morris.

The content was varied and interesting and so has been a good indicator of what sort of things I would be doing as a trainee at Walker Morris. It has certainly reinforced the idea that I want to be a commercial solicitor.

In one week there was a good amount of time to network with the staff. We had lunch with staff on the first day, a social on the Wednesday, chats with trainees on the Thursday and chats with the graduate partners on the Friday.

The social opportunities were very relaxed and genuine in their nature. I felt as if everybody got on with each other well and enjoyed working with each other, and such a conducive environment made me feel welcome.

I learned about the sports that trainees can do, such as football and netball. I also learned about the charity runs that the firm does which I think is a great idea and I love running.

I would definitely recommend this vacation scheme to a friend. If you like the city of Leeds and want to be part of a close knit team who take on quality work and allow the trainees to be directly involved in this then apply. I feel as if the firm genuinely cares about its employees and wants to see them excel, rather than pressure them into a life of stress.