Student Review

It was a real-life experience into different departments. I did not feel that I was 'just' a 2-week intern who was there to be given administrative tasks. I was given responsibilities and a lot of tasks, which I really appreciated. I also enjoyed the different social events which included an evening at Bounce, a chocolate workshop, a tour in the London Eye and a farewell dinner.

As mentioned above, I was given proper tasks and responsibilities. I had the same tasks as some trainees and I felt valued by everyone, from the secretaries, trainees, associates and partners. One of the associates I worked with asked for my opinion on several occasions. I also was given the task of reviewing a business development plan and to provide recommendations on it, which were very-well received by the senior partner.

At Simmons & Simmons, in each department you are assigned a supervisor and a trainee buddy. Although your supervisor will be the one who mainly gives you work to do, I was also advised to seek work from other associates and partners. My trainee buddy was always there to help me around, be it regarding the task undertaken or simply showing me in which room my next event took place. Depending on their availability, supervisors are also there to answer all your questions.

My Vacation Scheme taught me to trust myself more in challenging situations and to not hesitate asking questions. It also developed business development skills and clients' sectors which I did not learn during my studies.

It was very well structures, with a good balance between proper work and social events. However, depending on the department and how busy it is, the social events took away precious time I could have dedicated to my tasks.

Everyone was very welcoming and everyone was very approachable, which is very important since being a lawyer requires constant team working. This is also important as future trainee to be surrounded by open people who will supervise and help you.

During my second week, I was given a lot of tasks which required a lot of work. I was under pressure to deliver the job really quickly as I was given tight deadlines and to also impress by the quality of my work since I was going to be assessed based on that. Moreover, I had to work with a trainee on a specific task and therefore, I was given the same level of responsibility as a trainee.

The content of my Vacation Scheme was really valuable in helping me to decide on my future career path. It confirmed my plan to work in an inclusive commercial law firm which will value me and all its employees and which would invest in my future career.

There were plenty of opportunities to meet a range of people. First, in each department, interns are presented to the majority of the teams. Then, since each of us had a trainee buddy, we had the opportunity to know other trainees as well. The Recruitment team also organised a variety of social events, from drinks, breakfast with partners to workshops to know all the different departments. We also had a talk from the managing partner. I have met a lot of people and they were all very approachable.

The networking and social events were very relaxed and fun. The first night was tapas and drinks in a local pub and it was mainly the interns and trainees. We also had a fun night at Bounce. We had several opportunities to meet our supervisors and partners in a more laid-back environment, which was very nice since we all felt very comfortable asking them a range of different questions.

I did not get the chance to participate in any of the events organised by the numerous firm's networks.

I would definitely recommend this Vacation Scheme to anyone who is interested in a commercial law career. It was very insightful, I was given real-life tasks and the associates/trainees I worked with were actually relying on my work, which was daunting at first but also very rewarding. The people at Simmons & Simmons are all very open and welcoming. I felt very comfortable asking questions.