This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
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The Company
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Everything Else
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
I had a fantastic time - an ideal balance of genuine, varied and interesting work, combined with exposure to senior lawyers and a true insight into the working culture at the firm.
I felt that everyone went out of their way in order to give me appropriate and interesting work. Exposure to the Managing Partner through a Q&A/ discussion indicated how seriously the firm takes Vacation Schemes. Shearman also pulled out all the stops with socials - for example the trip to Duck and Waffle was fantastic and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone!
The Scheme was very well structured, and we were given a trainee buddy and associate mentor for each practice area we sat in. Any guidance/support required was readily given by anyone I met, in addition to a constant dialogue with the mentor/buddy with whom an office was shared (in each practice group).
Practice group overviews began my education of the work that passed through Shearman, and provided a starting point for beginning a thought process for choosing seats as a trainee.
The Company
Everything ran like clockwork thanks to HR - the timetable was kept to and I always knew what i needed to be doing at any given point due to great communication by everyone. This is something that is both very important and also not common to similar schemes!
Shearman made a real effort to absorb the Vacation Scheme students into the culture, which included many socials and other informal drinks/meals. Everyone I spoke to was always willing to help - the collaborative culture was shown by lawyers asking each other for help, which I would definitely enjoy being a part of.
The Vacation Scheme confirmed my desire to pursue a career in law, and at Shearman as my preferred choice.
Everything Else
Considering the amount of money and time invested in us during the two weeks, this was an appropriate amount, higher than most other Vacation Schemes.
In both practice areas in which I was sat, I spoke to everyone in the team in that week. At each social everyone is willing to chat about their work, what they're up to and give you advice.
Social events were very good, fun, and not awkward!
I played football with the Shearman team - something that was easy to get involved in as an email was sent round. Everyone was very friendly and it was good to meet more lawyers that I hadn't met before. Was also nice to meet Shearman lawyers outside of work entirely.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
London
September 2017