Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed my time at Shoosmiths. The entire firm were approachable and friendly. The team I was in took the time to get to know me as well as develop my learning. I have nothing but good things to say about the firm and the Vacation Scheme has left me with a positive view of Shoosmiths.

During the placement, Shoosmiths pair you with a 'buddy'. My buddy was extremely supportive and a great mentor. She answered any silly questions and gave me constructive feedback on my work. I definitely consider myself lucky to be paid with her and I'm still in contact with her after the Placement finished.

The skills I developed from my placement include my knowledge of the law, how to work with solicitors and be pragmatic when dealing with multiple deadlines. Shoosmiths taught me invaluable lessons such as how to make the most of my Vacation Scheme and to take the opportunity to learn as much as I could during my week with the firm.

The Placement was well structured. As Placement students, we had a mixture of Graduate Recruitment-based assignments and real-life client work. The students are always kept busy with tasks to do allowing us to make the most out of the week. I also got to know the firm through trainee and team lunches.

The general atmosphere of the firm was friendly and approachable. From the Partners to the Legal Secretaries, everyone took the time to get to know me and made me feel welcome during my time at the firm. There is a great work culture at the firm which has left me with a positive view of Shoosmiths.

The firm invested in me in multiple ways. Firstly, everyone took the time to get to know- even when they were extremely busy. Secondly, the professionals took the time to explain work to me and develop my learning, which I really appreciated. The team I sat with were completely invested in me which made the Placement even more enjoyable.

When I sat with my team, I was set multiple real-life trainee tasks. The solicitors took the time to give me the background knowledge and also any follow-up questions I had after. The week I spent with the firm allowed me to understand what it would be like to be a trainee.

The Placement allowed me to experience the culture as well as understand it. Shoosmiths is a value-orientated firm who prides themselves on quality and long-term relationships. From my week, I could definitely see how every individual shared the same values and how the need for quality was at the heart of every task.

There were opportunities for networking and meeting other employees at the firm. One some occasions I used my own initiative to email certain individuals who were in teams I had an interest in. Alternatively, as the firm have an open-floor plan, it was easy to get to know other teams.

There were social events such as a trainee lunch. Additionally, my team took me out for lunch when the Placement was coming to an end. I took these events as opportunities to get to know the firm and the professionals outside of work.

Shoosmiths is a firm with value-orientated and approachable professionals. I would definitely recommend the Placement to a friend who is interested in law and wants to learn from a national-leading law firm. I would also recommend the firm on the basis of how friendly and welcoming everyone was and how invested they were in me.