Winter Placement Scheme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the Placement Scheme. I had the opportunity to assist trainees, associates and partners on real life matters, attended numerous social events and had the opportunity to network with lawyers across all departments. Above all, the culture of the firm is friendly and non-hierarchical which makes for a pleasant working experience.

From trainee, associate and partner level, the firm went out of its way to ensure that I was given high quality work. Lawyers from different practice groups made an effort to come and say 'hi' and to see how I was doing. Within my department, any work I had undertaken was used to assist with a client's matter which made me feel a valued member of the firm.

During the week each Placement Scheme student is assigned a 'trainee buddy' who acts as your supervisor. They are on hand to answer any questions you have as well as sourcing you with work. My 'trainee buddy' was on hand to help with any questions I was too scared to ask a senior. They are a great support network and provide thorough guidance throughout the Scheme.

The Scheme has helped develop my understanding of what it takes to be successful in a law firm with an extensive global network. The Scheme also helped develop my networking skills and commercial drafting skills when tasked with drafting a deed of release of a guarantee.

At the beginning of the Scheme I was given a timetable. Each day was structured and tailored to either department time, assesment activities, networking lunches or social activities. Overall the Scheme was well structured.

The general atmosphere of the Scheme was great. The firm made a real effort to ensure that we had an enjoyable week.

On the first day of the Placement Scheme I was given training on using research sites such as PLC and LexisNexis as well as training on how to use their computer systems. This was invaluable in hitting the ground running when placed in my chosen department.

I was given the opportunity to assist on real matters and undertake typical trainee tasks. This enabled me to understand what it would be like to work at the firm on a full time basis.

I had the opportunity to network with a wide range of people across the firm which enabled me to understand the firm's culture and why people enjoy working there.

Each piece of work I produced and any assessments undertaken helped confirm my career path. The work was challenging yet exciting. The assessments were intense and demonstrated perfectly the pressures that lawyers are constantly faced to perform under. This is an environment in which I will thrive.

The firm paid a £250 salary for the week

Yes, networking and social activities were timetabled into the Placement Scheme. The highlight of the week was the 'speed networking lunch' which enabled me to network with lawyers from different practice groups for 10 minutes each.

They were really good and well planned. As a group we went to Escape Rooms which was great fun but also honed my team working skills.

Yes, I found out that the firm is involved in many charitable projects across the year as well as pro bono initiatives at legal advice clinics.

Yes, I would highly recommend undertaking this Placement Scheme. The firm has a great atmosphere and undertakes complex work. It has local connections with an extensive global network. It is an exciting firm to be part of.