Vacation Scheme Trainee Review

The Vacation Scheme was brilliant. Very well organised with plenty to do individually, as a group, and within the firm in general.

From engaging with Partners and Associates to Trainees and the Recruitment Team, I was made to feel very welcome by all the staff members I interacted with. My contributions and efforts in the tasks in participated were valued and time was taken to ensure I received great feedback and genuinley constructive criticism.

Having a dedicated supervisor and trainee buddy meant that I received guidance and support throughout the scheme, whilst the other staff members were always on hand to ask questions about specific tasks and matters, or just to chat things through with on a personal level. I also felt very supported by the graduate recruitment team who responded very quickly to any questions I put forward to them.

The skills developed during the scheme will be instrumental in my professional development as a solicitor. From hard research skills to the development of my interpersonal skill set, the vacation scheme provides a great insight into the type of skills needed to succeed at a top law firm, but also assists you to develop these in practice.

The entire scheme was not only very well structured in theory, but very efficiently and effectively run in practice. All students were kept suitably busy with meaningful and engaging tasks, and measures were put in place to provide feedback throughout the process to ensure continued development.

The atmosphere was very welcoming and every effort was made to ensure that everyone within the trainee intake felt very comfortable, both with each other and with their supervisors, trainee buddies, and the wider HSF team.

The firm invested heavily in my training by delivering numerous presentations on key areas of the firm, and provided opportunities to develop key skills, e.g. research, presentation skills. They also ensured that timely and detailed feedback was provided at all levels of the experience, from the assessment center right up until the final day.

The scheme gave me a unique insight into the composition of a full time role with the firm. Through sitting in two different seats within different practice areas over the course of the two weeks, I was able to experience two different areas of the firm in practice, and observe how different departments undertook work for clients.

This was a great insight into the firm's culture as through educational workshops, social events, and even a Q&A session with the CEO, our group was provided with a comprehensive understanding of the firms culture, values, and plans for the future.

In short, invaluable. The insight confirmed what it's like to embark on a legal career, the challenges posed by it, and the rewards that accompany it. It's confirmed that this is the right career for me, and that this is the right firm for me.

I was paid for this scheme and this was more than adequate remuneration for my time.

There were numerous opportunities for networking that ranged from partner drinks, to social events with trainees, and invitations to Christmas parties and coffees/lunches.

These were great. Very well structured and spread evenly throughout the two weeks to enable these events to break up the week, without feeling like they were simply falling one after another.

Yes. From sports teams to social events groups, there were a range of activities discussed and on offer.

Absolutely. This is a great experience for anyone looking to embark on a legal career and a unique insight into the work conducted by a top tier law firm.