Vacation Scheme Student Review

The vacation scheme was a delight to participate in. Each week flew by, meeting a variety of people and being set numerous pieces of genuinely interesting work. One of the best elements of the scheme was the fact that the work was usually real work required to be completed for clients, so I felt like I had actually contributed to the firm come the end of the scheme.

I felt very valued by all members of the firm, from support staff right up to partner. The open-door policy really was applied in practice, and I felt comfortable to speak to anyone across the firm. Partners were particularly encouraging and welcoming, especially given the very severe constrains on their time.

We received a lot of guidance over the course of the two weeks. We were provided with a number of introductory sessions on the first down, outlining various key areas of information, with a focus on using the IT systems. We were also assigned buddies (a trainee) and a supervisor (usually an associate or a senior associate) who really made sure we were on track and were given sufficient support.

The fortnight really drove home the importance of assessing legal quandaries with a commercial mindset, which in turn really helps to outline and illustrate the efficacy of the judgment or statute or legal instrument being assessed. The fortnight also contributed to the development of 'soft skills', with focus on business development and relationship building.

The week was very well structured, with two week-long seats in different departments (dictated largely by a pre-emailed list of preferences), and a multitude of 'Focus on' sessions peppered throughout, which provided an insight into each of the departments at the firm, in case you weren't to be sitting in that department at all. The social events organised were also well arranged and fitted into the scheme nicely.

The other vac schemers were all pleasant and friendly, as were all members of staff across the firm. There was no sense of hostility or competition really, just a healthy and productive environment. The social events organised by the trainees really contributed to this, as we were able to socialise with the vac schemers and trainees outside of the office environment.

The members of the firm, particularly our supervisors, often ensured we were progressing with the work we were set and provided guidance when and where needed, showing us how to improve. However, there were no events or talks arranged that were dedicated to personal training and development, although given the general environment and work set, I didn't feel that such talks were necessary.

The work we were set consisted usually or genuine work for genuine clients, and we were usually sat in the seat of a vacant trainee, sharing an office with an associate or partner. As such, the vacation scheme was entirely indicative of what working at the firm would be like full-time.

The trainees, associates, and partners did not appear to tailor or amend their behaviour in light of our attendance for the fortnight, and as such we were subsumed in a genuine representation of the company culture usually present. The social events were an excellent lens through which we could assess and perceive the culture at the firm.

The content of the scheme really solidified my intention to pursue a career in city law. As I became more familiar and accustomed to the work undertaken by city lawyers, and the environment and culture fostered at Taylor Wessing, it became clear early on that I wish to follow through with my current career intentions.

We were paid £750 in total for the two weeks,

There were plenty of opportunities in which we could network and meet with other employees at the firm. We were actively encouraged to seek out other members of the firm in our own time. There were also various drinks events, two evening events organised by trainees, and a lunch organised with a number of partners.

The networking events were always enjoyable and helpful with regards to networking. The two trainee-led evening socials were particularly fun as it was an opportunity to get to know some trainees away from an office environment. Drinks events were also often held for commendable and worthwhile causes, such as the EqualiTW LGBT+ Drinks social.

During each department's 'Focus on' session, many presenters would outline the sort of activities their department had done for their respective 'team days', ranging from tractor driving to escape rooms. Many trainees and associates were also happy to talk about what employees got up to outside of work. There was also an opportunity to attend a trainee-led pro bono scheme.

Absolutely. The vacation scheme was incredibly engaging, interesting, and above all else, a truly enjoyable way to spend a fortnight. The firm, from top to bottom, quickly makes obvious that it is a happy environment to work in, and one that is genuinely accepting of people regardless of their backgrounds.