Winter Vacation Scheme Review

The Grad Recruitment team organised loads of really fun and insightful events to help us to get to know each other and the firm. The department I was in was really welcoming and everyone in it was really approachable and friendly. The week was a good balance of events and time spent in the department working.

The work I did was actual work that trainees would do and so the associates and trainees appreciated my input and made sure I understood what I was doing and how it was relevant to the project they were working on. My supervisor took time out to talk me through tasks I was assigned and to go over any questions I may have which I hugely appreciated.

People were often on hand to help except for on occasion when they were really busy but that is understandable, lawyers can’t always predict how busy they are going to be or when something comes in last minute! I was really impressed by how much time my supervisor made for me even thought I was aware that they were very busy with their own work.

The scheme gave me a real first hand insight into law and the kind of work a trainee lawyer does, as well as a better understanding of the culture of the firm and whether I would fit into it. I think the scheme mainly helps me beyond my degree studies and gave me a better idea of what commercial law entails which will prepare me for a future as a commercial lawyer.

There were lots of great events and networking type things to help us get to know the people and the firm. As our farewell we went pizza making which was a really enjoyable event and helped the group bond doing something fun. It was nice that the grad team came and got so involved too.

I was surprised at how relaxed and friendly my department was - even when they had a lot of work on there was no major sense of it being a stressful environment and instead it seemed like a very supportive environment where people were encouraged to take the initiative and focus on their interests and careers.

As it is only a week long scheme I think it is hard to put much of a focus on personal development however my department took the time to review my tasks and give me feedback so that I knew where to improve for the future, no matter how small.

Through the time spent in my department and talking to other trainees and associates I felt I got a good idea of what it would be like to work in the firm. People had a really positive view of life at S&S and the fact that many of the associates I spoke to had been there 7+ years that gave me a positive impression of the firm. Notably one of the associates told me that what she liked most about the firm was that they treat you and value you as an individual, not just another associate, which I think it important in an industry where you’re often just treated as a mechanism for billable hours than an individual person.

I got a really positive view into the company culture. People were really positive and notably willing to help each other no matter how small the task or question. One thing I noticed was that there isn’t a noticeable hierarchy at department level - partners are very approachable and easy to talk to which creates a much better working environment.

Being able to do valuable work really helped me to see what I would be doing on a day to day basis should I join the firm which is really useful in decided if the career is for you and if you like the kind of work that particular department does.

I was paid a standard amount that most vac schemes are paid similarly at different firms. I also got a couple of free lunches and a free dinner which I wasn’t expected which the grad team organised which was also helpful. Although there is a really good subsidised canteen at the office which means that buying food isn’t an issue. Also there are free coffee machines that also serve hot chocolate and tea so you don’t need to spend money on hot drinks.

Yes there were two chances. These were really enjoyable although we were often in big groups on tables which meant that at some point not everyone was able to ask a question, particularly if there were more dominant individuals who had a lot of questions to ask. However it was still a really useful opportunity to see what the firm was like.

We had a pizza making night, a drinks night in the first night to meet all the trainees and supervisors we had been assigned, as well as a final farewell afternoon tea.

Yes. An associate in my department talked to me about the CSR iniatives the firm is doing and the current pro bono work she was doing which was really interesting. At the firm they also have a variety of networks that people can get involved in which are popular.

Definitely. It was a great firm and a great vac scheme that was well structured and organised, and full of friendly people.