Vacation Scheme Student Review

The placement was enjoyable because the people at Shoosmiths are all so friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere of the office was fun and laid back, people were always talking and laughing and it was really nice to hear. The (Birmingham) office is lovely and I had my own desk and computer log on and email on so I felt like I was welcome there.

Aside from the activities set for the placement, the work that I did help out with was mostly proof reading and I did feel as though my input was valued. The solicitors and partners took the time to explain the context of the work to me, so I could see how what I was doing would fit into the bigger picture.

The best thing about the whole vac scheme for me was that I was individually paired with a team and with a Trainee for the entire week. I sat opposite her and was able to talk to her and ask her anything. Like everyone else she was very friendly and really supportive of me and it felt like she really wanted to help me and for me to do well.

At the start of the vac scheme I was given a pack with a series of tasks I needed to complete by certain times throughout the week, including a mini project that I was to work on throughout the week and do a short presentation on the last day. On top of this the partners and solicitors would ask me to proof read documents or help them out on odd bits off work - so I was always busy but the good thing about it was that some of it was real work that needed doing and other bits were hypothetical issues and activities - so it wouldn't be the end of the world if you found yourself too busy to complete all of the activities in the vac scheme pack.

I wasn't given much responsibility - but it is not necessarily a negative. I understood that there is only so much responsibility a second year law student can take on in that situation. The solicitors instead took more time to go through the work with me and explain what they were doing and why, so I joined in with plenty of work and got a really good picture of what their responsibilities were.

The benefit of being with a specific trainee for the whole week was that I got some tips for what to do when I am a trainee, just little things like how to write a proper research note etc. So the vac scheme experience gives you a head start because there will be a few things you pick up or learn that you will not need to be taught again when you start your training contract.

There were always plenty of people talking and laughing and it seemed like a lovely atmosphere! It was also very relaxed, I have been in some offices where you feel stressed just by being there - but Shoosmiths isn't like that at all.

Everything seemed fine to me, except maybe the greeting on the first day - it felt like the trainees weren't sure who should be with who, and which students should be where etc... But the rest of the vac scheme was not like that. It was the first placement I had been on so I wasn't sure what to expect for stuff like lunch time arrangements etc, but seen as we had email access the vac scheme students just emailed each other and agreed to meet up. The team that I was in also had an organised team lunch one day which was a great chance to sit down with the whole team and have a chat.

Because the placement was only for the week the solicitors and trainees took their time to explain everything to me until I was capable and happy to complete the work, but no formal training was given as this would have probably been unnecessary. The presentation that I had to give at the end of the vac scheme was excellent for my personal development, the project also allowed me to have a meeting with one of the partners about my idea and then it was presented to another of the partners and the HR manager. So they really did get involved with the activity, rather than leaving me to complete it.

I think the vac scheme is a great way to get to know the type of firm that you are applying for and it is also a good 'foot in the door'... the vac scheme is sort of like a week long interview. When I subsequently attended the assessment day I already felt like I knew the firm and what they would be looking for, so it made the day more enjoyable and less daunting!

It seemed like there was lots going on, particularly for trainees. The vac scheme students were also invited out for a drink which was a good chance to have a proper chat with some of the other trainees from different departments. I felt like if you wanted to get involved with anything then the option would definitely be there for you.

I didn't really have time to find out, my placement was just for the week and we went out for drinks and dinner once but I was lucky enough not to have to get my purse out! :)

Can't comment - but I am sure Birmingham has got to be good.

Plenty of opportunities - there is all sorts of stuff going on. Whilst on the vac scheme I was also nearly talked in to playing netball against one of the other local firms.