Summer Placement Scheme Review

The two weeks' placement was a really valuable experience and gave me a good understanding of what it is like to work for the firm on a day-to-day basis. Everyone was really friendly and approachable, and always willing to answer any questions I had.

Everyone I spoke with made a real effort to make me feel comfortable - even during the assessments (interview and presentation), it was really clear that the assessors wanted to see me do well, which was really encouraging. I was lucky enough to get involved in live work, and was given positive and constructive feedback on each task, which was really valuable.

The support was really good. HR welcomed us on the first day, and ran through an induction. The trainee buddies were also really supportive, and guided me through each week in the department - answering any questions I had on the practice group or general questions about the firm.

I think the placement has shown me how important the LPC is to becoming a solicitor. While a law degree gives you the basics, the LPC really translates any legal theory into a practical environment. I was able to develop my people skills and confidence which I think will benefit me when commencing my career.

It was structured really well. On day one, we received a schedule for the upcoming two weeks, so we knew in advance what the plan was for each day (including when the socials were) and could prepare accordingly. We were given our presentation task early so we had plenty of time to plan and prepare.

It was really positive. Everyone was friendly and willing to spend time answering questions, and everyone seemed to get on and help each other out across departments - which was really encouraging. It was clear that the firm places a lot of value on its future talent.

The induction on the first day was valuable to give me an overview of the firm. Following this, we had some IT training which allowed us to understand how the systems worked. During my final week, I was invite to an internal training session on dawn raids, which was delivered by an associate from the Paris office, and was very interesting.

Spending two weeks at the firm was really valuable in showing me what it's like to work there on a day-to-day basis. I was given mostly live work which was really interesting, and allowed me to contribute even in a small way.

Massively! I think a lot of firms say they have a positive culture on the marketing materials and on their website, but in practice this isn't always the case. Squires really does have a positive culture - and everyone I spoke to reiterated that. Spending time at the firm for two weeks gave me a real insight into this.

I was able to work on live matters, which gave me a flavour of the type of work the firm does on a day-to-day basis. As I worked in two very different departments (Corporate and Property Litigation) I was able to see how both transactional and contentious practice groups vary and what the work involves in each, which gave me an idea of where I might see myself in future.

The placement scheme is paid and is approximately £300 per week. I think the fact that the firm pays for the placement shows how much they value their future trainees.

There were a number of socials arranged over the two weeks, which involved fun activities such as pizza-making and bowling. This allowed me to get to know some of the current trainees outside of work and build relationships with them. There were also other events throughout the two weeks that I was invited to, such as BD events and lunches which again allowed me to network with employees of the firm.

They were great! A lot of thought and planning went into the social events to ensure they were engaging and fun. It was great to get to know some of the current trainees a little better outside of work.

Yes, in particular I was impressed at how many charity events the firm is involved in. They also get involved in pro bono work, which is really rewarding and promotes the firm across Birmingham.

Absolutely! All the information I was given about the firm ahead of starting the scheme was correct - the firm deals with high-profile clients, trainees get a lot of responsibility and good quality work, and everyone is really approachable and welcoming.