Vac Scheme Review

Really outstanding vacation scheme experience. The scheme was well structured with had a diverse and stimulating variety of sessions and work to get involved in. A particular highlight was the socials that had been organised, which were an excellent opportunity to get to know fellow schemers and the trainees from the firm in a more informal environment.

The work I was given was both interesting and valued by my supervisors. I had the opportunity to sit in on client calls and go to the Royal Courts of Justice to witness a summary judgement hearing. Getting feedback from my supervisors was also useful at it was evidence that they were impressed with the work that I had completed during my time with the firm.

There was plenty of guidance, ranging from members of graduate recruitments through to trainee buddies, supervisors and even a talk from the managing partner. This made me feel really at home whilst taking part in the scheme. One lunch I was taken out to lunch by a trainee where she gave me invaluable support and guidance on the training contract process. This speaks volumes for how well supported you are whilst on the scheme.

I had finished my degree by the time that I took part in the scheme, but I still gained lots of invaluable skills and experience. Whilst on the scheme there was lots of skills based sessions, which I learnt a lot from. A particular highlight was a presentation skills workshop unlike any I had seen before and which actually gave tangible skills and tricks you could put into place to improve presentation and public speaking skills.

The scheme was extremely well structured, with a great balance between supplementary sessions and spending time with my departments. This was in contrast to other schemes I had completed, where there were no supplementary sessions. I also enjoyed this because it meant I was able to spend time with the other schemers, which is something I think is important on any scheme.

The general atmosphere was very positive. Everyone else on the scheme was lovely and we really bonded as a group which made the scheme and the atmosphere more enjoyable. The firms general atmosphere was also very positive, and you could really get a feeling for the open and collegiate atmosphere that is fostered at Reed Smith. Trainees, associated and partners were all more than happy to take time to talk with schemers and were all clearly enthusiastic and passionate about the firm they worked for.

The firm invested heavily in us, providing a wide range of training and development exercises. Another particular highlight was staging a whole day mock employment tribunal where a former partner came back into the firm to run the session. This was particularly valuable for developing advocacy skills. Other training and development sessions included a cultural awareness workshop, negotiation skills workshop and a presentation skills workshop.

The scheme was very insightful. We had a trainee panel where we were able to speak to current trainees and ask any questions we liked which gave us a thorough insight into what life at Reed Smith is like. We also got to go to a trainee seat fair which gave us lots of information on what opportunities and department are available for trainees to work in during their training contract.

Again, the scheme was very useful as there were many formal and informal opportunities to network with staff from the firm which provides a real insight into the culture fostered by Reed Smith. It was clear that the firm is open, non-hierarchical and friendly. Whilst on the scheme we also got to go to the annual summer party which was good fun and again a good event to be able to gage the firms culture.

The scheme was very valuable as it confirmed that I am passionate about pursuing a career as an international commercial solicitor. The type of multi-jurisdictional disputes I was able to get involved in was genuinely exciting, and given that this was the first time that I had been able to get involved in work of this quality, confirmed my desire to pursue a legal career.

Paid £330 a week.

There were plenty of opportunities. During the first week there were some formal sessions as part of the scheme where we got to meet our supervisors and trainee buddies. We were also invited to the summer party. During the second week there was a cocktail making session, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. On the last thursday there was afterwork drinks. All in all there was ample opportunity for networking and meeting people from the firm.

The events were really good fun. The cocktail making session was a particular highlight. The firm organised for a really exceptional mixologist to come into the firm and we got to learn how to make 3 different types of cocktails alongside our fellow schemers and trainee buddies. We followed this up with dinner, which was great fun. The summer party was also an excellent social.

There were specific sessions dedicated to letting us know what extra opportunities there were to get involved with when you work for the firm. For example there were lots of pro-bono opportunities to get involved in that sounded really interesting. There were also lots of sports teams to get involved with, and charitable and fundraising events.

I would 100% reccomend the scheme. By far the best one I have taken part in. It's made me genuinely excited about the prospect of being a solicitor for an international commercial law firm.