Summer Vacation Scheme Review

I loved the atmosphere of the firm, all the staff members were friendly and supportive. The work was challenging and fulfilling and the social events were very enjoyable, including a trip to Flight Club.

The level of responsibility in the work I was given was surprising. I found myself interacting directly with clients, in person and on the phone. It was nice to know that the work I was doing would actually contribute towards a deal.

Although I came into my first department at a very busy point - with the closure of two deals approaching - the team were still able to make time for me. Outside of my department, I also had the full support and energy of the excellent graduate recruitment team. I received all the support and advice that I required, and I was given useful feedback on all my work.

This was by far the most rewarding and valuable legal experience I have ever had. The firm excels in providing exposure to its full range of legal sectors, with 'Focus On' sessions every day that introduce a different service that the firm offers. Following these sessions, members of different departments are generally free and willing to meet up to discuss their sector further.

The structure of the scheme was very well thought out. The day was nicely broken up with lectures and meetings to gain an insight into the broad range of services that the firm offers. Similarly the social activities allowed me to interact with a number of different individuals at the firm, from trainee to partner, to learn from their experiences.

Taylor Wessing is famous for its positive atmosphere. This unique personality came across to me from the very start, at my assessment centre, then again at a pre-scheme meeting, and throughout the two weeks of vacation scheme. I cannot find a fault in the firm. Everyone who works there is sociable, optimistic and enthusiastic.

I was provided with a lot of useful information before entering the vacation scheme that helped to prepare me. This preparation in turn allowed me to thrive in the firm and make the most of the two weeks that I was present for. During the scheme itself there are plenty of opportunities for personal development.

Since I was given a desk in an office with a partner at the firm, I was able to talk regularly about the kind of work that the individual was doing, and also get involved myself. This allowed me to fully understand the day-to-day life of a member of the team. I was treated as a valued member of the team instead of a part-time intern.

The vacation scheme is the only was to fully understand the general culture of the firm. I was given the opportunity to arrange meetings with whichever staff-members I wanted, which helped me understand that the general optimism of the firm is universal. I felt that all the team members were as interested in my life as I was in theirs.

I went into the experience from a non-law background, as I studied history at university. Therefore the experience was very useful in helping me understand that law is the right career path for me, and picking out which specific areas of law are best suited for me. I sat in Corporate Technology and IP & Media, and both were very insightful and interesting.

I was paid £375 per week, and I was present for 2 weeks. Therefore my total pay was £750. Alongside this very rewarding pay, the firm offered free lunches on a number of events, and free dinners to anyone who stayed late. The food was very good quality and the canteen - Cloud 9 - is a must-see.

We were each given our own email address and Skype Business account, therefore I was able to contact anyone online with ease. I arranged a number of meetings with staff-members to better understand a range of departments. Similarly, there were a number of social events which gave me the chance to interact with lots of employees in informal settings.

The social events were very enjoyable and rewarding. We went to the darts club Flight Club in our first week, and a restaurant called Caravan in our second. These two events were useful to build connections in the firm, and develop the relationship between interns and trainees as well. Outside of these structured events, there were also plenty of impromptu excursions after work that I also took part in.

I spoke to a number of employees about the range of external events that were on offer, such as football or drinks. I got involved where I had time, and enjoyed spending time with the team outside of a working environment. I also attended a corporate department BBQ on the terrace which gave me a chance to mingle with clients of the firm.

Taylor Wessing is the perfect firm for individuals that are positive, enthusiastic and outgoing. The team work hard, but always have time for a friendly chat, or to lend a helping hand. The vacation scheme is the ideal way to understand the dynamics of the firm from within. I would recommend it to everyone interested in law who has a good-humoured personality.