Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed the vacation scheme. The other vacation schemers were friendly and we got on well with the trainees at the firm. Everyone on my team was friendly and welcoming. I thought it was really useful and got to do some great work. I enjoyed coming to work and the two weeks flew by.

With most of the team I felt valued and appreciated. I felt like the work I was doing had an impact and was able to help the other people in my team. My team and I went out for drinks at the end of the scheme, which made me feel valued.

From my team, I received a lot of support - I was able to ask them any questions and they were happy to answer. I was given the information and tools to complete tasks on my own but ask questions if I needed to. We did not have much contact with HR.

I got to experience proper trainee work in my vacation scheme. I worked for partners and directors, which was a really great insight. I did not learn many new things for my degree but the skills I developed will help me in my training contract and at work in the future.

The overall scheme was very structured and organised, we had talks and socials scheduled in, which were enjoyable and something to look forward to. Some of the days which were spent with the team could have been more structured but I felt like I was busy most of the time.

The atmosphere at Gowling WLG is really friendly and inclusive, I really enjoyed it. This was definitely a standout for me and made me want to work here even more. Most firms say they are friendly but Gowling go above and beyond to ensure the working environment is comfortable and enjoyable.

As we were only there for 2 weeks, we did not do much training or development nor is this expected on a vacation scheme. However, we attended talks by the company that gave us insight into progressing and developing as a trainee solicitor at the firm which were very useful and insightful.

The vacation scheme was really useful to see what a full time role with the company would be like. It was a useful insight into the work I would be doing as I got to do real trainee solicitor work, and also working at Gowling WLG in general, the culture and the atmosphere.

Even though it was only two weeks, the vacation scheme was really helpful in helping me understand the company culture, through experiencing it myself and speaking with the trainees and other people working here. Everyone I met was welcoming and friendly and it was clear that it prioritised at Gowling WLG.

The contents of the day were useful in helping me decide on future career path. I got to experience trainee work in the seat I was in which a really useful insight. Furthermore, we had talks from all of the key groups that Gowling practice in, to an insight into other seats that I might like to choose in the future.

The pay was more than adequate on this vacation scheme, and very competitive compared to other firms. We were not reimbursed expenses to the vacation scheme, which might have been useful for those of us staying in accommodation in London, but we were reimbursed for when we travelled to the assessment day before the vacation scheme.

There were lots of opportunities for networking. We met all the trainees at the firm which was really helpful, to ask any questions. We also were able to meet the chairman of the firm and the heads of the key groups. More networking with partners might make this scheme better.

We had three social events over the two weeks and a couple of networking events. The socials were fun and enjoyable, the first social was an escape room and then drinks, which I thought was a really great way to get to know the other vacation schemers and trainees. The networking events were also enjoyable.

We had a talk from the diversity & inclusion officer and also the corporate responsibility officer, which gave us great insight into activities that employees can do, such as fundraisers, pro bono, joining the firm choir etc. Some more information could have been given regarding the firms other activities, such as any sports teams.

I would definitely recommend doing a vacation scheme at Gowling WLG. The firm is welcoming and friendly, and my two weeks here have been very enjoyable. I have had a great insight into the life of a trainee lawyer and will use this experience in my training contract. I thought it was a really good scheme.