Vacation Scheme Participant Review

The vacation scheme at Norton Rose Fulbright provided an invaluable learning experience, with an insight into the field of commercial law. The vacation scheme provided the opportunity to understand more about the culture at Norton Rose Fulbright and overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

I felt very valued by the firm. This became apparent during the assessment day and carried on through the scheme. For example, everyone I met was more than happy to have a chat and answer any questions I had. This may be why I felt like a real member of the firm so early on!

Throughout my time at the firm, I felt well supported and staff expertly guided me through this scheme. The support network at Norton Rose Fulbright is second to none. I was given a trainee buddy, a departmental contact and a supervisor to guide me through the week. This was greatly appreciated.

Many of the tasks that I was given were of the kind that are generally done by trainees at the firm. I think that undertaking these at an early stage has definitely given me a flavour of the work done here. I think that the skills that I've able to pick up will come in handy during the training contract stage. Doing the practical side of law also helps me see the application of the theoretical side as well, which I hope will help me in my final year at university!

The insight was incredibly well structured. You had a detailed time table booklet given at the start of the insight and an online calendar to constantly keep you up to date if any changes occurred or new venues were set for the various scheduled events. The departments also offered work in a very structured and accommodating way.

The general atmosphere during the scheme at Norton Rose Fulbright was really positive. Everyone at the firm put in a lot of effort to make sure that everyone was happy and confident during their time at the firm. I found staff friendly and welcoming, instantly putting me at ease upon joining the firm.

I felt that Norton Rose Fulbright invested heavily into the vacation scheme, ensuring that we got the most out of the scheme. All of the activities organised were focused on our personal development and I felt that I developed a lot of new skills from this experience. My line manager was focused on my personal development and took the time to understand where my strengths and weakness lay, focusing on areas for improvement.

I believe that this scheme provided me with the opportunity to really envisage what it would be like to have a full time role at the firm. This was because, during the scheme, I was able to experience not only the work of lawyers, but also other aspects e.g. networking.

The culture here at Norton Rose Fulbright is very unique and enhanced by the support network. All of the lawyers are friendly, approachable and supportive of your work. Each of them took the time out of their day to try and get to know me as a person. I really appreciated this.

The vacation scheme gave me a real insight into the world of commercial law, not just the work done by Norton Rose Fulbright. The work is definitely challenging, but it is also very rewarding. I was working with international clients from the very first day of my scheme, so the international aspect of the work was very evident!

I was paid during my time spent at Norton Rose Fulbright.

There were numerous opportunities to meet employees of various ranks throughout the firm with access to partners, senior associates and trainees in an open door policy. You could do this not just in the scheduled side events by the graduate recruitment team but also while working in your department, able to send an email to anyone you were interested in discussing with.

The social activities were fun, and gave me a chance to meet the trainees at the firm. We had an escape room event in the first week, which was a great was to build up the team spirit! The cookery school in the second week was fun, and also the first time I've cooked a three course meal by myself.

Yes. For example, I have a keen interest in sport and when networking with members from the firm it became apparent that the firm is active in this area. In particular, I was interested in the football team and employees were very keen to try get me involved! Being such a large firm means there is something for everyone!

Yes, I would absolutely recommend this vacation scheme to a friend!