Vacation Scheme Review

Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable insight. The schedule adopted the right balance between workshops, talks, socials, and time spent at the desk in the department. There was always work available to do and it was always useful for the supervisor/associates you were doing it for, as opposed to photocopying or 'research'. The open-plan office was a refreshing alternative to many firms of a similar prestige. Equally, given the growth of the Bristol office, there was a real buzz around the firm and a genuine effort made by the partners to make us feel welcomed.

Partners went out of their way to interact with us and many senior figures willingly gave time out of their day to talk to us about their work and departments. The work was were given was far from menial and always felt useful. Trainees were additionally very willing to help us and take us to lunch.

There was plenty of guidance and support throughout. Members of graduate recruitment came from London to assist us, meaning that there was always a support network only a floor away.

There was a large emphasis on networking, an essential skill in the legal world, and one I certainly learned a lot about.

The insight was always well structure. There was a decent balance between networking, workshops, and time spent at the desk.

We were the first batch of Vacation Schemers the Bristol Office had received. Everyone there seemed genuinely excited to see us and show us the office they'd forged through their own hard-work and dedication. The atmosphere at the office was the best I've experienced of any Vacation Scheme. The smaller trainee intake does mean that the social atmosphere was a little more restrained than other, though.

We were given a fantastic 'Personal Branding' workshop which all of us found useful.

The workshops, networking events, formal, and informal chats with trainees all gave a clear and thorough insight into life as a trainee at the firm.

It was a fantastic insight into the culture at the Bristol office. I suspect the company culture is slightly different at the City office. This said, you don't apply for the Bristol office if you are interested in a City lifestyle.

It was valuable to an extent. You don't apply to a Vacation Scheme and go through the entire process if you aren't pretty sure on your future career path though, so it wasn't exactly the main focus of the VS.

Two socials, a networking breakfast with partners, a speed networking event, and a farewell that involved pizza (and so duly attracted many from the office).

Overall fairly decent. We didn't get an opportunity to head out with the trainees though, and people were fairly reserved during the events so they were more of a 'network with a single beer' than a social event.

Yes, there was lots on offer.

Absolutely.