Vacation Schemer Review

The three weeks were an excellent insight into the world of commercial law. The work was varied and of a good level. Regular seminars were organised, which partners took seriously rather than handing them over to trainees and junior associates, as well as skills sessions, networking and social events. Everyone from the firm was friendly and made a big effort to make us feel welcome and part of the team.

A concerted effort was made to make us feel part of the team, and I was continuously provided with requests for trainee-level work from a variety of people (not just me assigned supervisor). Regular invitations were issued to team, department or firm-wide meetings and events. Work was always acknowledged, and if done particularly well lawyers made an effort to say so in person.

The whole first day was given over to induction sessions on the firm and computer systems. Once we joined the departments, there was no official instruction but all lawyers took the time to explain the background behind work or any technical points, so we were really able to learn from each task. We had a buddy and a supervisor each (trainee and associate respectively) who both took an interest in our time at the firm, and frequently other lawyers went out of the way to support us (e.g. if sharing an office with another lawyer, even if quite senior).

The skills I learnt will be of great use in helping put the LPC into context, as well as starting to plan my career and prepare for entering the worldplace. Soft skills will be particularly important, and I have already used tips in networking when visiting other law firms. Similarly, exercises on client pitches and trying to understand free structures has changed the way I look at the legal market, allowing a more critical and commercial evaluation of the issues facing it.

The programme was very well structured, with a timetable being sent out in advance and generally stuck to. This enabled us to timetable work and meetings around the insight activities and not let lawyers down. Occasionally room numbers were given out after the time the session started, but otherwise it was well run.

The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming and friendly, but without losing sight of why we were there. The firm expected us to pull our weight and take jobs seriously, but equally understood we would likely not get it all right first time and encouraged getting feedback. I was not afraid to try things for fear of a mistake, as I knew if I had used initiative and effort I would not have my head bitten off for coming up with the wrong conclusion.

The firm put a good deal of effort into making us aware of what each department did, how the law firm operated commercially both internally and with clients, and training in soft skills. For such a short time, it was a good balance of a broad agenda without being too technical.

We were able to speak to and work with people at all levels to understand what a career at the firm would look like over time. The work we did was also real trainee work. Whilst I worked 9am-6pm, we were not expected to be in any later (and some were chased out if they were) so did not experience the long hours famed in the sector. However, we were able to discuss them with trainees and get a good picture of what is expected.

Several sessions were held on the values the company holds such as pro bono, diversity and social mobility. A networking session and evening talk was also arranged, and I was able to attend a legal aid clinic with trainees. The firm's culture is impossible to avoid even by going about daily work, as it permeates throughout.

Extensive talks were given on progression within the firm and the different departments we could qualify into, as well as brief discussion of legal careers outside private practice. Whilst I have yet to decide, all sessions gave excellent insight and helped me understand more about what lawyers do, and often surprising me with areas I thought I would not like being really interesting.

I was paid just under £1000 for three weeks.

Several networking events were held, and we were invited to the trainee party allowing us to get to know those of a similar level as well as those senior. Particularly helpful was a networking lunch with the management committee.

There was one social per week with vac schemers, trainees and graduate recruitment. There was also an excellent welcome and farewell lunch, and several evening networking sessions.

We were given many chances to ask about social and sporting activities, as well as able to get involved with pro bono, social mobility and diversity initiatives.

I could not be happier with the experience, and would tell anyone interested in a career in international commercial law to consider applying.