Vacation Schemer Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the vacation scheme as the firm had a very supportive and encouraging culture. On both weeks, the buddies and supervisor assigned to me were very helpful. They would take time out to explain the tasks assigned to me and gave prompt responses to any questions I had throughout the week. The focus-on sessions were also effective in exposing me to the other practice areas of the firm.

I felt valued because I was entrusted with certain work similar to the trainees. I managed to discuss my findings with the partner and trainees as we were all working on the same case. It was insightful and fascinating to be able to share my views with them. The product of my work was also used to assist the partners and some were sent out as chargeable client work after some edits made by the associate.

I received a high level of support and guidance not only from my supervisors and buddies, but generally anyone that I approached in the firm. Everybody was willing to have a chat with me despite their busy schedules. For my presentation, I managed to speak to more than seven people in the firm in order to obtain their perspectives on our topic.

Some skills that I further developed in the vacation scheme is being organised, resourceful and meticulous in my work. In my law degree, these skills enable me to deliver my assignments on time with high quality and accuracy. Beyond my studies, the networking and communication skills that were further developed during the scheme improved my confidence level.

The insight was very well structured in my opinion because we managed to experience a wide breadth of practice areas within two weeks. Although we only had the opportunity to sit in two practice areas, we had focus-on sessions that exposed us to the other practice areas of the firm. During these sessions, activities such as a client call exercises gave us a hands-on experience on the day-to-day work of the department.

The firm had a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, which I very much enjoyed. Most lawyers and support staff I met were approachable, friendly and professional. During our team meetings, everyone was free to offer any thoughts or ideas they had. There was no sense of hierarchy within the team. It was an environment that embraces creativity and diversity.

The firm was committed to providing personal training and development by assigning me to supervisors and buddies who were there to guide me. As it was only a two weeks long internship, the firm ensured that we could develop our skills through the activities organised. For instance, there were numerous social events that could improve our networking skills and presentation to enhance our team working and presentation skills.

By working alongside the Construction and Corporate Technology team, I managed to experience the day-to-day life of a lawyer in Taylor Wessing. I was invited to attend the team meetings, socials and even participate in a breakfast seminar that was attended by clients. It was a great exposure to what it would be like to have a full-time role.

Over my two weeks at the firm, I worked with and spoke to numerous people both within and outside my department. I felt that the firm was generally very inclusive and welcoming. Given the opportunities to attend the team meetings and socials, I established a closer link with my team which enabled to better understand them and their working ethics.

As I was exposed to the work of a commercial lawyer, I thought the scheme provided me with a clearer picture of what my future career path will look like. I became more certain about what I am looking for in my future career and what I would like to achieve in the next five years.

I was paid 750 pounds. It was an adequate amount, especially when our lunch is often provided or subsidised by the firm. The location of the firm is also 20 minutes walk away from my house. Hence, transport did not cost much to travel to work. The restaurants and food near the office were also affordable and convenient.

There were plenty of opportunities to meet and network with other employees of the firm. During the more busy times of the day, I would send an email or message to arrange a time to meet. The office also has sufficient breakout spaces that made it convenient to catch-up with colleagues and other employees.

They were fun and well-planned. We had our first social at Flight Club and more at restaurants where we could network with trainees and others on the vacation scheme.

I was informed of the networking events and activities from the associates in my department.

Yes.