Spring Vacation Scheme Student Review

The insight was great. I sat in 2 seats which I had previously preferenced and was given meaningful work with constructive feedback available at all instances. A number of presentations and networking events were put on which allowed interactions with lawyers from across the firm. Food and drinks were also available to fuel discussion.

The firm prides itself on the quality of people that it attracts. I found this to be true in conversations with lawyers and got a sense of their motivations and drive to work at the firm. I also found lawyers to be generous with their time and was able to have in-depth conversations with them.

Feedback was available on all the work I completed, allowing me to see where improvements could be made. Trainee buddies were allocated to allow conversations with someone who had previously been in my position. Grad rec were able to answer any questions I had an replied promptly in all instances.

I developed both my legal and commercial skills on this vacation scheme. I am now able to understand the work that a commercial lawyer does and how my skill set can be applied to solving legal problems. I developed my ability to work under pressure as I was given similar tasks that a trainee would be given.

A timetable was provided at the beginning of the scheme detailing presentations we would receive from different practice areas. A formal feedback session was provided at the beginning of the scheme to allow you to work on your weaker skills. I was able to start working on the first day and IT issues were resolved quickly.

The general atmosphere was very positive and I was encouraged to get a good look at the firm to see if the environment suited me well. Everyone was motivated and was able to communicate their motivations to me. I spoke to a range of people across the firm and gained a clear insight into the firm's global practice. Fellow vac schemers were also great to work with.

A formal feedback session was provided and lunches with your trainee buddy were encouraged. The firm was also committed to improving its own process and held individual scheme feedback sessions where we were able to highlight positive aspects and suggest improvements. My seat also featured a lunchtime learning session where I was able to learn about a rapidly evolving legal area.

The insight definitely helped me understand a full time role. I was working on answering complex questions similar to that which a trainee might undertake. Lawyers did not regard us as below them and were happy to explain any questions we had. It was a very collaborative environment. The firm was open about parallel recruiting processes at other firms and the emphasis was on being able to find a trainee with the right business environment fit.

The insight gave a very good insight into company exposure. Furthermore, the senior partner of the firm gave a presentation to us on the firm. It was a very open discussion and after that I was better able to understand firm strategy and ethos. I was also invited to an office communication session which helped me understand the rationale for various firm business decisions.

I am now certain that I wish to become a city solicitor. I highly recommend completing vacation schemes at a law firm to ensure that you can make an informed decision about whether you want to study and practise law. Everyone at a law firm has been through the same process as an applicant and upon asking will be happy to give advice.

Many opportunities were provided for networking and meeting other employees of the firm. An evening event in the first week was held where we were able to speak to various partners and associates. An evening quiz was held in the second week where we socialised with future joiners of the firm.

Enjoyable and informative.

Yes. Lawyers get involved with various activities such as badminton or touch rugby. The firm also has sports teams for those who wish to join. There are also various firm socials and diversity networks which support lawyers. The firm also takes into account personal circumstances so if necessary, flexible working arrangements can be implemented

If the friend wants to join a top tier firm and work with similarly motivated people then yes.