Vacation Scheme Review

I enjoyed learning about each of the different areas that Gowling has to offer. I feel that I am leaving the week with a real insight to the firm. My team (Banking) were welcoming and approachable which made my working day much more enjoyable.

My team were very appreciative of any work that I could do for them, however small the task may have been. I felt that the firm really emphasised the value that the trainees have within the firm and this made me excited to become a possible future trainee.

For every task I was given my team gave me enough background to understand what I had to do. It was sometimes difficult to find work to do as my team are clearly very busy. Despite this, whenever I asked questions etc. I was always given some time and support.

I had no knowledge of banking/corporate law before undertaking this vacation scheme and I am coming away with a base knowledge on how transactions work. I think that the skills and knowledge I have obtained will do little to contribute toward my degree but will be advantageous in future legal employment. In particular I have learnt a lot about the way in which transactions work rather than litigation.

The timetable was very clear. However I found it difficult to concentrate on any tasks I was given due to the interruptions. For example, having 3 talks in one day which were split between the morning and afternoon. Sometimes this cant be helped and I feel that if we were to have two weeks experience this would have been different.

The socials that have been arranged have been a lot of fun. It has been nice to socialise with the other 'vac schemers', making friends through the socials has made the week a little less intense and helped in the group presentation. My team have been very friendly.

The HR team in particular I feel took a lot of time and effort in making sure our week went smoothly. It was difficult to develop any new skills in a short period of time but we were given a lot of information on the firm.

Every member of staff that I spoke to were quite happy to share their experience of working at Gowling. I feel that I am well aware of what is expected of an employee, but this can differ within teams. Furthermore I have been told a lot about the work-life balance.

The talks on D&I and CR gave us an understanding of this. However, it was difficult to experience this within a short space of time. The trainees gave a lot of insight into the life of a trainee at the firm.

The talks into the four areas of law that Gowling practice really opened my eyes to the widespread work that is possible. Without further experience into different areas it would be difficult to decide on a future career path only because there are so many options. I would definitely consider a career in my team in future.

I think that the pay was accurate. I also really appreciated the effort and money that went into the social events.

There were opportunities to meet trainees, which was very helpful as we could discuss our assessments and the trainees could relate to how we felt. For me it was difficult to meet other employees, even within my team and on my floor as there was limited opportunity to do work for others.

Team building on the first day really helped break the ice within the 'vac schemers'.

I briefly spoke to a trainee about the Netball team and she emphasised that I should get involved. I understand also that there are some fundraising opportunities eg. three peaks walk.

Yes, I would definitely recommend this type of vacation scheme and I have felt welcome at Gowling. I think that the assessment centre, although difficult, was very appropriate for the week.