Vacation Scheme Student Review

The vacation scheme at Shearman & Sterling is amazing, you get a real insight into the firm and everyone is keen to get to know you. There are also a lot of socials which are fun to take part in and allow you to get to know your cohort and other members of the firm. You also finish the scheme with a good understanding of the work you would be completing as a trainee.

The size of the teams allow you to integrate into a practice area really well. The first thing I did in both of my seats was introduce myself to everyone in the department. They were all really keen to meet me and find out more about what I was interested in. The atmosphere allowed me to settle in really well.

Before the scheme even started HR arranged an evening where we all got together for an introduction to the firm and a drink together. HR are there to support you throughout the scheme. There is also your trainee mentor and your supervisor, as well as the other vacation schemers! Overall, the support network is quite extensive and ensures you always feel you have someone to turn to.

One of the things that sets the vacation scheme at Shearman & Sterling apart is that it does focus on work, and therefore allows you to get a good understanding of what it is the departments do. I completed a variety of work during my placement, and was given feedback on each piece I completed. This allowed me to develop my skills in research and drafting which will help me in the future.

The scheme was well structured with a variety of activities. Nearly every day we had an hour talk from people in different departments. We also got to spend some time working every day, allowing us to develop our understanding of the work we would be completing during a training contract. There was also a social event scheduled in twice a week, alongside lunches and coffees with people we met in the office.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the scheme which has confirmed my excitement for a future career in law. Everyone at the firm is so welcoming which really makes you feel like part of the firm. You are involved in real work and constantly socialising with everyone on the office.

The firm puts on talks from every department allowing you to gain a good understanding of their overall role and the type of work they complete. On my vacation scheme, HR managed to put everyone into their first choice department, so HR are extremely keen for you to develop your skills during the scheme and find out the type of work you like. I was given feedback on every piece of work I completed, allowing me to develop my skills throughout the scheme.

We began the week with IT training ensuring we would understand the system and be able to handle the work we were given. This meant we could be delegated work from trainees or associates and get a good understanding of their role. Also, by rotating between two departments you get a good feel for the work of both transactional and advisory seats.

It is difficult to understand the culture of a firm without working there, so completing a vacation scheme is the perfect way to do this. At Shearman & Sterling everyone is willing to talk to you about their time with the firm and will be honest with their answers to your questions. This gives you a great insight into the firm.

It was vital for me to complete a vacation scheme before applying for a training contract as it is difficult to understand the work of a trainee without any experience. The focus of the scheme is on work and has therefore been invaluable for me when deciding my future career path.

I was paid £345 per week for two weeks.

Over the two weeks you get to know a lot of people, all of whom are eager to meet you. As soon as I started in a department I was introduced by my trainee mentor to each person in the department. The firm arranged for a lunch to be held with a few members of the team in each department I was sitting in. There was also the opportunity to meet people during the departmental talks. I took the opportunity to follow up most of the talks with some questions which then allowed me to meet people from different departments. The scheme concluded with drinks for the whole firm.

There were two social events arranged each week. The first week we completed a French cooking class with some of the trainees and also went out for drinks at a nearby bar. The second week we were treated to an 11 course meal at Duck and Waffle and also had a drinks networking event on the last evening. Any other nights the vacation schemers who were free would tend to meet up for a meal or a drink. Overall there was a good balance of events.

There is a talk from the Pro Bono Manager which gives you an insight into the pro bono opportunities. There is also a talk from trainees which gave a good insight into the activities they have been involved in outside from work. I also found out a lot during general conversations which I had with people from different departments and the emails which get sent around detailing different activities which you can take part in.

The vacation scheme is the best way to decide if a firm is the right fit for you. At Shearman & Sterling you also get an amazing insight into the work you will be completing as a trainee. You are given honest answers to the questions that you ask which can help you make the right decision on a future career, and you are able to do this alongside great people who are experts in their field!