Paralegal Review

I really enjoyed the vacation scheme. The workshops we attended provided great insight into the variety of work undertaken by the firm, including real estate disputes and transport finance. The sessions were interactive and fun. In addition, I was given quality and interesting work by the departments I sat in and the group projects gave us a chance to show our team working skills.

The firm is extremely welcoming and is genuinely interested in what you can bring to the table. The fact that we were given high quality, important tasks as part of our departmental placings is testament to how valued we were as vacation schemers. Our trainee, associate and partner buddies took a genuine interest in us as not just potential colleagues/employees but as individuals.

We received continuous guidance and support. Our first point of all if we had any questions were our trainee buddies but we were always able to ask our associate/partner buddies or anyone else in the department for assistance. The graduate recruitment team were also always on hand to answer any questions we had. We were given a programme for the two weeks when we started so knew where we had to be and what was expected of us. It was very clear.

I gained and improved many skills during the vacation scheme, including drafting emails to clients, preparing board minutes, understanding how disclosure in litigation works and recognising key contract clauses. These practical skills will help me throughout my career by increasing my confidence in my ability and communicating with clients. We were also required to prepare and deliver presentations. The presentation and team work skills I took away from that will undoubtedly assist me when I am pitching to clients.

The vacation scheme was brilliantly structured. We were given a programme at the beginning of the two weeks which included department presentations and workshops, and social events. During our time outside these timetabled events, we were with our departments or working on our team projects. We had a real taste of what it is like to be a busy lawyer who must attend meetings but still get their work done.

The firm itself has a great atmosphere. Everyone is friendly and approachable, and the social events were a really good way of getting to know current trainees. All the vacation schemers got on brilliantly; there was no sense of competition - we worked as team. The interactive sessions we had were really fun which made the atmosphere even better.

The firm clearly invested a lot of time and energy into developing the vacation scheme. We were given so much information and training in the workshops and each task given to us was clearly explained. I was told exactly what the purpose of my task was and encouraged to ask questions.

The vacation scheme was extremely busy. We were given two group projects in addition to the compulsory workshops and talks, and work given to us by the departments we sat in. So, we were required to manage our time and work closely with each other. The work we were given was also representative of the work we might be required to do as a trainee.

The content provided insight into the firm itself as well as the legal profession in general. For example, we attended workshops on the main players in the City and deals the firm has worked on. We were also given the opportunity to pitch to real clients.

I was paid for the entire 2 weeks that I attended. We received £400 for the 2 weeks. This was more than enough to cover travel expenses and/or accommodation. Food was also provided at lunchtime talks. We were paid at the end of the month in which we attended the vacation scheme.

Yes, there were two social events. Current trainees were encouraged to attend and graduate recruitment were also there. It gave all the vacation schemers a chance to get to know each other too. Additionally, there was a networking evening which was attended by associates and partners. There was also ample opportunity to sit down for an informal coffee with any employee.

The social events were really fun. It was an excellent way to ask questions about the firm in an informal setting and to get to know potential future colleagues. As well as the organised social events, we were encouraged to arrange coffees with associates/partners in the departments we felt particularly interested in.

Definitively. The programme was well thought out. We were given plenty of information about the firm and felt genuinely welcomed. The workshops were fun and insightful and the departments I sat in gave me real, valuable work. The social events were also enjoyable and the networking opportunities were endless. The firm itself has a brilliant culture.