Vacation Scheme Review

I was extremely satisfied with the placement with Walker Morris. It has provided me with a good grounding in understanding what the practice of law is like within a commercial environment. I found not only the tasks that I was given and the work that other people were doing interesting but also the atmosphere stimulating. Moreover, the fact that many people within the department didn’t mind giving 5 minutes to me to explain their work, for me, symbolises the positive atmosphere that I would love to be within.

While I was at Walker Morris I felt valued to a large extent. I was extremely appreciative of the varied tasks that were provided and the extent of planning that took place. The fact that even though the solicitors had a great deal of work on and were under a lot of pressure to meet various deadlines they would still take five minutes out to discuss their work. However, I was a little disappointed by the quality of feedback that was provided and that it didn't really go into a great amount of detail in why I had not progressed to the next stage. Considering the quality of activities that occurred in the week, this was extremely surprising.

While I was at Walker Morris I had little guidance but a good support grounding. I felt the team putting on the week were well prepared and organised a week with a good balance, between assessment and department experience. I do not feel there was a great amount of guidance in terms of the work that was provided within the department and this resulted in me heading out around the department looking for tasks. I did not mind this however and it gave me a chance to meet more members of the team. Furthermore because of this I became involved in multiple aspects of work and meant to some extent I could manage my own projects and tasks which I enjoy.

As this was a only a 1 week vacation scheme skills development can only be to seen to an extent. However, I have gained an insight into how studies at degree level can be applied in real life business situations such as time management and critical thinking. The information that I received on a personal level was extremely useful in making my decision for my career beyond my degree. It provided a very good insight into what type of environment I would like to be within.

As said earlier I felt there was the right balance of assessments and time spent within the department. To all trainees it was very clear regarding what was happening and when and to some extent the point of each activity. I felt the periodic assessments within days in the department broke the day up similarly to that of a typical day as a solicitor who would have various meetings. At the start there was informal introduction as a group and towards the end a more one to one informal chat about the week. This tied the week up well and rounded it off nicely. There was also a concluding session with the trainees towards the end as a group which was also useful.

The general atmosphere was one I expected. You are within a pressured environment where members of the team are having to meet multiple deadlines. However, I felt that the open door policy resembled the friendly nature of the firm. It also provides you with the know how about when it is best to approach certain members of the team. The majority of the members of the team were friendly and happy to talk while you could easily approach trainees over lunch. Overall, the atmosphere was one in which I felt apart off and if you feel a buzz of a pressured environment then one you would naturally enjoy.

The week was paid. As many of the solicitors had varied deadlines and were under pressure I felt there was a good deal of investment in terms of time. This is especially as I come from a non-law background and I did not feel disadvantaged or not as useful by the majority of the people I was working with/for.

I was paid.

There was one social event: a night out bowling on Wednesday which was very enjoyable but also provided a good insight into the firm from a different, more informal, angle. The trainees also go to the pub regularly on a Friday - definitely a sociable firm and if you are then you would fit right in!

I did find out about these activities however they came up in conversation when especially asked about, information packs providing this type of information were not provided. Getting involved and showing initiative does resemble the firm and I did get a feel that even with the minor work I was doing that if I felt something could be done another way suggestions would be taken seriously.

I would recommend this insight to a friend if they are thinking about going into commercial law. It is extremely useful especially when compared to the values that Walker Morris puts forward. You can definitely get a feel regarding the atmosphere and whether it is the type of environment you want to work in anyway!