Vac Scheme Student Review

The insight was great, a true reflection of the firm. I got to complete a range of work including research tasks, drafting client notes, amending contracts. The social event was great fun and allowed us to get to know many people at the firm. The assessments were at the appropriate level and were well structured. Sad it has finished.

I did feel genuinely valued while on my vacation scheme. I completed real work for high profile clients. Yes, it may not have been extremely ‘high-up’ work, but I did play a part in shaping the work. The trainees, partners and associates expressed an interest in getting to know me, as though I could be a colleague in the future.

I was given a lot of support throughout the week. HR was there if I had any questions whatsoever. In terms of support for the work I was given, everyone in my department (commercial) was willing to answer any queries and I felt like I could approach them. Everyone is given a supervisor, who is there personal contact. My supervisor guided me but didn’t wrap me in cotton wool, which is a good balance and what you need to experience on a vac scheme.

The work I completed while at Walker Morris put my studies into context and helped me to see first-hand the overlap between University and private practice. I think I am now better prepared to enter the workplace as I have a much better understanding of what type of work I will be completing through my legal career. My research skills in particular were strengthened by using PSL etc.

The whole scheme was well laid out and worked well. Everyone was given a provisional timetable a month or to in advance. I feel the scheme was well balanced: work itself, break times, social activities and assessments. At least half of the scheme was spent at our desks working, which is obviously the main point as to why you are there, so I was happy with that. I would have liked another social event however.

Understandably I was nervous on the first day, but the firm did a great job of organising events to ease our nerves. There was an initial icebreaker, and office tour followed by a networking lunch which gave me a good feel for the people in the firm. I felt welcome by everyone there and had a real connection with many of the trainees. The open-door policy is certainly in full working order here. No hostility, and everyone seems to have good professional connections and care for one another.

The firm conducted a session with the library team so we knew how to research effectively. Personal development happened mostly when we completed our own work. You get out what you put in. Everyone is more than willing to answer your questions if you've had a good go at the work.

I think this gave a good insight into the firms expectations and culture. Perhaps the scheme could have been a bit longer though.

You get a feel for the working environment while at your desk and my observing those around you you can see that there is high expectation for the standard of work. Yet everyone retains a good sense of humour and can have fun. This was certainly true at the social event!

Invaluable. You do work that you would be completing as a trainee and can see the types of work completed by those higher up. There isn’t much more you could do to help you decide whether a career in law is for you. If you enjoy the vac scheme, it’s likely you’ll enjoy being a trainee.

£175

Yes. I first met trainees at a networking lunch on the first day. The big social event was mid-week, we went bowling and had pizza, which was great fun and meant we could all get to know each other in a less formal setting. There was also drinks organised by the trainees which we were as vac students were invited to aswell. Another social event organised by the firm would be appreciated.

Brilliant fun and a great way to get to know people as individuals. After all, they need to make sure they would want to work with you in the future and vice versa. I felt much more comfortable with people at the firm after the activities. Everyone there, whether a trainee or partner was willing to talk and answer any questions of just have a chat.

I didnt ask.

Yes! A brilliant opportunity for you to get to know whether you want a career in law and to get to know the firm better and on a more personal level. It also challenges you and gives you opportunities to push yourself if you take them. Go for it.