Vac Scheme Student Review

I have absolutely loved my experience here at Walker Morris. I feel that it has been very well structured, with lots of time to explore our departments, time to chat with current trainees and also friendly socials in the evenings so that we felt comfortable and part of the team.

At all times, staff at Walker Morris have been welcoming and friendly, both within my department and within the wider team. I have been given tasks to complete and assisted on real work being undertaken by the solicitors here which has made me feel like a valued member of the team.

I feel that I have received support from all levels of staff at Walker Morris, from trainees, paralegals, associates, senior associates and partners. If there was ever a task that I was struggling to understand, or wasn't sure about, I was guided, supported and received teaching, and no question I asked seemed like a burden.

Completing my vac scheme within the corporate department has hugely improved my knowledge of company law and feel that it will be of great benefit me when completing my company law module at university. The other assessment sessions throughout the week have also given me more experience in negotiation, as well as broadening my commercial awareness.

The vac scheme has been very thoughtfully planned out, with plenty of opportunities to meet current trainees, associates and partners, practical sessions and enough time within our departments to start sinking our teeth into real legal work, as well as opportunities for socializing and light hearted activities. Lunch was also very kindly provided for us on the first day!

The atmosphere at the whole firm generally is that they are a collaborative family. Everyone was more than happy to help and offer their guidance and advice to us throughout. I have absolutely loved being here, feel that I have made some strong relationships within the team and wish that I could stay longer!

The firm have really made a huge effort with all of us, giving us the opportunity to not only learn about the firm but also to develop our skills as people generally. One example of this was by providing us with a negotiation skills session. The time that the trainees also spent with us during the course of the week has also been so valuable.

The vac scheme has given me a huge insight into what life is like on a day to day basis within the firm. Being able to spend time with people at different levels within their career has also shown me the types of responsibilities that each person has and how they develop professionally to take on new responsibilities.

Without coming and spending time on the vac scheme here, it is impossible to know the general atmosphere or culture apart from reading what has already been said about the firm. By completing the vac scheme I have been working directly alongside all members of the team here, and have seen directly how well people gel together here.

I found the work intellectually stimulating, and feel even more excited now at the prospect of one day qualifying as a solicitor, and hope to be fortunate enough to join this amazing team at Walker Morris.

There were many opportunities for networking throughout. An informal social was organised after our first day, where we were able to meet trainees. Another formal social was arranged on the Wednesday where we were able to socialise with trainees and each other, as well as the Graduate Partner. We also had a chance one afternoon to ask a panel of trainees any questions we had.

These were really great. The first evening we went to a bar close to the firm where the firm kindly bought us all our first drink. The social event on the Wednesday had a free bar all night and also provided a nice spread of food. It enabled us to all be able to socialise within a relaxed environment.

I found out that the firm have their own netball and football clubs which is very exciting. I also found out that many of the staff participate in charity events and also participate in things such as the three peaks challenge. Regular socials are also organised so that people can get to know each other within the firm.