Vacation Scheme Student Review

The vacation scheme was a fantastic experience. From the beginning, you were treated like a valued colleague and the work given was real work- not just photocopying or doing administrative work. We were thrown into work that would be submitted to clients and work that the trainees and others at the firm genuinely appreciated. During the vacation scheme, we took part in a variety of socials including an escape room, ping pong and lots and lots of food! We were also there for the firm summer party which was a fantastic experience and an opportunity to get to know members of the firm outside of work. The two weeks has flown by!

Due to the work given, I felt like a valued member of the firm, not just a student who was on a two week placement scheme. Whilst many other firms just give administration tasks such as photocopying, Squire Patton Boggs allowed the vacation scheme students to gain a real insight of the day to day work trainess undertake. The work we were reqiured to do was work that a trainee would have done- they had been given the task of delegating to us all. For this reason and because we were aware that the work we were doing was needed and would eventually reach the client/ be part of a research document, I felt like myself and the work I completed was valued during my time at the company.

Much of the vacation scheme tested how you were able to use your initiative to complete tasks and go one step further. That beig said, my supervisor and those around me respected the fact that I have only completed my second year of university and that I did not have any previous legal work experience. In addition, they recognise that you are not actually a qualified lawyer! Therefore, the support recieved was high. If there was ever something you didnt understand or a general question about the work you are doing, everyones door is literally open meaning that everyone is happy to help. You were never left at your desk struggling and you were never too afraid to go and ask someone for help.

Considering I have another year of university left, there is no doubt that the ksills I have developed here will help me moving forward. The scheme has increased my confidence and has increased my time management skills. In addition, it is good to be in a commercial environment as it gives wider skills and insight into the working world outside of university.

The vacation scheme was well structured however was probably more second week heavy. It took the formet of a mini training contract in that you did one week in one practice area and the next week in a different seat. This gave a good insight into different areas of the firm and the variance in work. We were given a timetable at the beginning of the scheme which was rarely strayed from and we were kept up to date which timings and if there were any last minute changes.

The general atmosphere was genuine- there was no feeling that the people around you were putting on an act. Everyone is genuinely happy, in a good mood and is always willing to talk to you. At no point did you feel unwelcome or unwanted and the teams were all very upbeat.

The comoany puts thousands into graduate recruitment each year and this was clearly seen in wat was provided. We were each given a brand new laptop to use during our time here which containe dlinks to training and development programmes. In addition, we were given numerous talks on anything which we may need to be made aware of.

The open nature of the firm and the open nature of the vacation scheme meant that I was given a full and realistic idea of what full time employment would be like. I think this is because of the type of work we were given and the fact that it was genuine work for a client or to assist with a client query. Therefore upon full time employment with the company, there will be less of a shock of the workload.

As mentioned before, the company culture is very much invested in the people that work here. Everyone has been genuine and friendly and open to held and to have a discussion with you. Therefore the company culture was very much shown through thte two week placement scheme.

The placement scheme reaffirmed my want for a career in law and has confirmed that it will be something I will persue if I am unsuccessful following this placement scheme.

I was paid a total of £500 for the two week placement scheme.

There were plenty of networking events and as the firm has an open door policy, you are encourage to go around daily and meet people from the firm. In addition, the summer party took place during the placement scheme which was a brilliant opportunity to network with everyone outside working hours.

As above, absolutely fantastic. The current trainees organised numerous social activities for us, ranging from an escape room to going out for meals. All of the social activities were attended by trainees and other members of the firm meaning that we were fully exposed to all aspects of life outside the office.

We had numerous talks from peple regarding outside work activities including a discussion from the charity committee who outlined the firms committment to work within the community.

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