Insight Scheme Review

It was a good mix of infomation session, that are genuinely helpful, time with the department, and networking events.

It was a bit unfortunate, my supervisor was clearly stressed and very busy, so the work he had was limited.

He was very approachable and, despite one task being a large research task that didn't really yield much fruit, he was supportive and found more work.

The academic side of a law degree is very different to the practicalities of being a city lawyer. It's more just motivation and reassurance about the career and Simmons.

The 2 day scheme was reaally well thought through, with a good balance of all types of events. I felt compared to other firms, Simmons made a real effort to get to know us and value us as potential trainees etc.

Overall it has been fantastic, the mix of people on the trip makes it interesting, but still relaxed. All staff have been happy to talk, engage and advise. At no point have I felt uncomfortable. The social events really made the scheme what it is.

I felt that this was more a mini vac scheme than insight day, at least compared to other firms insight days. Indeed we were treated more like trainees than students. We skip the first stages of vac scheme application, which made it more than just an introduction by grad recruitment to the firm.

Talking to a variety of trainees was the main insight into firm life, they gave honest and genuine advise on life as a vac schemer, LPC and trainee. This was really beneficial.

Compared to other one day firms, where there is limited time in the offices, this is where another main benefit was. Equally, the trainees were all really close, and genuine friends out of work. This spoke volumes and the atmosphere was really great.

This two day scheme really reinforced my opinions about both Simmons and life in a city law firm. Unlike other firms it was a proper insight into life, not just grad recruitment talks.

Although the pay could have been better - overnight stays in London are expensive, as are trains etc - but it's an investment and the day was beneficial so it is hard to complain.

The networking events were well planned, executed and beneficial. Meeting your supervisor was a good way to break the ice and the evening darts and dinner was a real highlight for everyone. Also, the lunch with another associate was a great idea and once again reinforced all my opinions of Simmons, they were all lovely and genuinely interested in us.

See above, this is a massive plus for the scheme and were brilliantly done.

Although not much was explicitly mentioned, you could tell there was a lot going on. Everyone I spoke to seemed to spend a lot of time with each other outside the office and sports teams were mentioned.

I would absolutely recommend this. The events are well balanced between, social, informative and time in the offices. It was a really great two days and seeing the work involved solidified my decision to apply for city firms.