Vacation Scheme Student Review

It was a very enjoyable internship with a good amount of exposure. There was a great balance between the business focus and getting to know the firm in addition to the legal work we were given.

I was given a good amount of responsibility, and was even encouraged to send some items out in my name. Everyone was very friendly throughout the experience, and always willing to sit down with me to discuss my work.

There was a lot of support throughout the entire process. I was always encouraged to ask questions and ask for help if needed, and was given thorough feedback on the assignments completed.

The feedback I was given throughout the placement was related to the skills involved in drafting, researching and legal work generally. The skills developed through this can easily be applied in studies and other work environments.

The first week was business focused, and was very well structured in that each day was planned out almost to the minute. The second and third weeks were more flexible as it was dependent on the team in which you were sitting.

There was an extremely friendly and collaborative atmosphere across the insight. Everyone was willing to help out, or even just sit down to chat, which made for a supportive environment.

There was a great amount of time and resources invested in the students on the scheme. We were given several opportunities for feedback across the programme, and exposed to a variety of work and clients.

It was useful in providing an overview of what a full time role with the firm entails, however due to the brevity of the scheme, it was difficult to get involved in long term projects.

It was very useful to have time in two different offices (London and Edinburgh). Thorugh this it was clear that the company culture is consistent over the different offices, and having the chance to speak and work with people in both areas allowed me to see how collegiate the culture is.

The programme was held across three weeks, which was very useful in determinign future career paths. It provided a good insight into the type of work the legal sector does as well as a feel of the culture.

Travel expenses to and from London were reimbursed (for those not based in the city) and we were also given a fixed weekly salary.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking. This was done by working with different employees throughout the scheme, but also through dinners and drinks organised by the firm

The opportunities were varied across the different offices, but overall a lot of effort was put into the events to ensure that we had the chance to speak with members of the firm at all different levels, as well as get an insight into the firm's external activities such as CSR.

We were given the chance to meet with some of the charities the firm works with, and were able to gain some insight into other activities by speaking with employees. However, this was not a large focus throughout the programme.

It has been a great experience and has given me excellent inside into the legal and commercial aspects of the firm.