Spring Insight Scheme Review

In my opinion, Simmons & Simmons' spring insight scheme was very enjoyable. We were able to gain a better understanding of the firm through a variety of talks, giving us a general overview of their culture, as well as more specific insight into the types of cases and clients that they take on.

I most definitely felt valued during my time at Simmons & Simmons. They put a lot of effort into ensuring that we spoke to a wide range of people at the firm, ranging from trainees and newly qualified solicitors, to senior associates and partners. They also put a lot of effort into the social.

There was definitely a lot of support on the part of the graduate recruitment team, as one of their members was always on standby to help us with anything if need be. The trainees were also helpful during the work experience, giving good advice and assisting us with any questions that we had.

The legal work experience proved to be extremely helpful, as we were able to gain insight into the actual work that trainees at Simmons undertake, preparing us not only for potential Vacation Schemes, but also helping us have an increased understanding of what it is like to have a career in law.

The first day consisted of numerous presentations, networking lunches with trainees etc. The second day was more practical work. This structure worked well, but it might have been better if the presentations on the first were spread out a bit more, and if future interns would be able to also have a tour of the office.

Overall there was a very friendly atmosphere at Simmons. The Grad recruitment team were very helpful and friendly at all times. All trainees and other staff members that came to talk to us were also very welcoming, and open to chatting about their experiences at Simmons / asking any questions that we had.

The work experience gave accurate insight into how a full time role at the firm would be, with the trainees setting us real, relevant work. The talks from employees, e.g. the trainee panel, also enabled them to give us honest information about what working at Simmons and Simmons is like.

The presentations at the beginning were particularly useful in helping us understand what the culture at Simmons and Simmons is like. What was most useful was spending time with employees at the firm and hearing about their experiences, as well as delving into working life ourselves during the work experience.

The content of the day was very valuable in in helping me to decide on my future career path as it solidified my interest in law. The experience was great for this reason, and the presentations helped me on my path to decide what type of law firm I want to work in in the future.

Yes, we were paid for the experience, as well as being reimbursed for expenses. All participants were given an allowance to cover accommodation etc over the course of the two day long spring insight scheme. We were also able to have all of our travel expenses reimbursed, on top of this allowance.

We were able to network with trainees during the panel discussion, and ask them any questions that we had. There were also numerous networking lunches with the trainees. The social on the first evening of the scheme enabled us to network not only with trainees, but also associates / senior associates.

There were presentations through which we learnt about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work; sports teams such as netball, hockey, football for instance. There are also many social opportunities, as well as chances to engage in pro bono legal work with local communities after work hours.

Yes, I would recommend this insight to any friend who is considering a career in law. It was good to hear about the experiences of the different employees of the firm to inform my own existing opinion, as well as gaining insight into how working life would be there through the experience.