Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed my one week placement with Shoosmiths. I was given really interesting tasks and really great support from everyone that I worked with and was provided with really helpful feedback on all tasks that I completed. The placement provided a great insight into the culture of the firm and confirmed that it was where I wished to pursue my legal career.

I was given a really good level of responsibility with the tasks that I was given during the week, therefore felt that I was making a real contribution. Everyone that I came into contact with was extremely friendly and all were willing to answer any questions that I had or simply take the time to say hello.

For every task that I was given during the week, I was given a full and clear explanation of what was expected of me and knew that I could approach anyone and ask for help if this was needed. I was also given full feedback on all tasks that I completed.

I have managed to develop my research and drafting skills as a result of the placement, and as a result of the presentation task during the week I now feel a lot of confident delivering presentations.

The placement week was really well structured. It started off with a firm introduction and an office tour to make sure that we did not get lost! We were then given a laptop for the week and introduced to our teams. We were then sent an email detailing what our tasks were for the week. There was a consistent flow of tasks for the week and my department were also given tasks in the event that the department did not have work to give us, this made sure that there was always a steady flow of tasks to be getting on with.

I was really taken aback by how friendly every person I came into contact was during my placement week. Everyone said hello and was really happy to help with any questions or queries that I had about the firm. There is a real collaborative feel to the firm without any competitive atmosphere, making it a really enjoyable firm to work at.

I was given a great variety of real tasks to undertake while I was with the firm, which demonstrated that they wanted to make sure that I got a true taste of what life as a trainee would be like. I was also given a good amount of exposure to partners within the firm, who were extremely friendly and willing to answer any questions.

Although the placement was only a week and there is only so much that you can do within one week, I still feel like the placement gave me a good idea of what it would be like to have a full time role as I was involved in a variety of tasks, as well as social and CSR activities.

Although I was only with the firm for a short period of time, it was evident that the firm has a friendly, collaborative culture and take their values very seriously. I was able to see how people interacted in a formal setting such as in meetings, alongside the social aspects of the firm.

The placement day was the 'cherry on the cake' for me in deciding that Shoosmiths was the right firm for me. I got a great taste for corporate law, which has confirmed that I would like to explore this area further and complete a seat in this department as a Trainee Solicitor.

I was paid a really competitive rate for the placement week.

I attended a social at the firm during the week which provided a great opportunity to meet other members of the firm. My host also took me for coffee with another trainee which allowed me to meet other members of the firm.

There was a social evening one night during the week which gave me a good chance to network/socialise with more junior members of the firm to ask them about their experiences with Shoosmiths.

There is a yoga class which occurs within the firm's office building once a week, and I also found out about the team away days that happen once a year. As the office is new, there is still room to develop activities outside of work, but I imagine that will change as the office grows.

I would 100% recommend this placement to anyone looking to pursue a career in a national commercial law firm.