Winter Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed my placement. I received a variety of work - from researching a particular area of law and drafting a brief note, to making notes on a call with several of the firm's global offices. I have had a very good insight into the type of work my department do, and am left with an incredibly positive experience of the firm.

Everyone I met made a great effort to welcome me to the team. An associate even agreed to move office so as to make sure I was sat within the team, rather than in an office on my own down the corridor. All work I did was received with genuine gratefulness, and even those working in other departments made an effort to come and speak to me.

We were assigned a trainee buddy, so had a point of contact to ask questions to. I very quickly befriended my buddy, and she made sure to check on me during the day, ensuring I was happy and felt comfortable completing the tasks she gave me. Again, everyone in my department offered to answer any queries I had, whilst making time to give me an overview of the seat and the matter I had been asked to help with.

I was able to develop skills in researching (becoming used to using tools such as Practical Law), and in summarising research to make a useful and informative research note. A lawyer was also interested to hear about my dissertation, giving me potential ideas/points to consider, which will be incredibly helpful.

The scheme was fairly well structured. There were no presentations / scheduled training sessions, and so at times I felt a little like I did not know some of the vacation scheme participants. That being said, the social arranged by the firm, and subsequent 'leaving drinks' on the final day, made up for this.

I had a fantastic time. The atmosphere was collegiate and friendly, and there was a genuine interest from people across the firm to speak to/get to know the vacation scheme participants. The level of work was balanced well, ensuring we were busy without feeling overwhelmed.

We did not have many training sessions other than those on the first day. These included a talk from health and safety and HR, and several video link conference calls with the other regional offices to have training in IT and research. The firm were, however, very keen to ensure that we asked if we wanted further assistance.

I received a variety of different tasks, and was given an overview/introduction to each matter that I worked upon. This meant that despite having no experience of Competition law, I quickly could understand what working in the department entailed, and what type of work I would receive. Similarly, as mentioned previously, the chance to speak to trainees, associates and partners meant I received vary perspectives on what a typical day at the firm would be.

The company is very welcoming and collegiate, and this was clear from the vacation scheme. We were encouraged to get to know everyone on the insight, and ask any questions we had. I particularly liked the fact that employees across the firm would say hello and take an interest in what we were doing - it made me feel like a member of the team.

Very valuable.

We were paid an amount similar to that of other vacation schemes. It was therefore very reasonable and in line with the standard pay one would expect. We also were given expenses for our assessment day (up to £50), so this again helped with regards to making the interview process more manageable.

I would have liked to have more social activities outside work, but this was a challenge given the short time period of the insight (1 week). We did, however, have informal networking lunches nearly every day which allowed for us to meet people across the firm.

The networking events were fairly informal, with lunch (a few sandwiches) being provided. The firm were careful to have a variety of people at these events (ranging from HR & trainees, to senior associates and partners), so this made them very valuable. We also had a vac scheme social on the penultimate day, and 'leaving drinks', so it felt like we had multiple opportunities to meet people.

I could not recommend more.