Vacation Scheme Winter Review

The Allen & Overy vacation scheme was an excellent opportunity to find out about life at a magic circle law firm. I enjoyed this insight very much, as I was attached to a trainer and was given the opportunity to see how life is as a city solicitor. I left the scheme having a clearer idea on my career goals and I am truly thankful to Allen & Overy for this Winter vacation scheme!

As I was attached to an associate and was given ample opportunities to interact with senior management, I felt valued during my time in the vacation scheme. I was also allowed to engage in a pro bono project presentation which increased my knowledge about how law firms can help charities - and this was meaningful as it allowed me to see the use of legal work in other sectors here.

My associate guided me step by step in the entire scheme. As I was sitting in the International Capital Markets Practice Group, which was one of the most technically complex practice groups, I was thankful that my associate taught me the basics and how to operate in this area, and I had the opportunity to conduct research on this area for him!

Although the skills I learnt are more practical in nature, I believe that the skills such as presentation, research and interpersonal communication will benefit me as I go forward in my law career ahead. This will allow me to understand the future career choices that I made, and in law school as well!

The program was very well planned, with a structured timetable given to us on our first day. We were not only tasked to shadow an associate, but also to prepare a pro bono presentation in groups when working with real life organisations. The insight scheme was an excellent one week during the Winter Holidays this month!

The general atmosphere at Allen & Overy was very positive and I could sense the excitement in the associates and partners with regard to the legal work which they do. As such, I felt a sense of belonging and had the chance to learn a lot about life as a city solicitor in UK, London!

The chance for one to one interactions with the associates was unparalleled, and I think that Allen & Overy gave me a truly valuable chance to develop my research and networking skills. We had a chance to present to real life clients, speak with senior partners as well as interact face to face with those heading the organisation and this was valuable in deciding whether or not this was the firm for me.

This insight allowed me a valuable week in looking at life as an associate in the International Capital Markets Practice Group, and I was given real life tasks with real impact. I learnt a lot about the standardised legal rules applying in the International Capital Markets industry and I completed this vacation scheme having more insight into the real work which lawyers do.

During the course of the vacation scheme, there were several talks aimed at introducing the culture of Allen & Overy to all of us. I found out that this was a very inclusive firm which accepts people from many different cultures, and it was very open in terms of diversity and ethnic culture as well!

This vacation scheme allowed me to decide that I want to be a city solicitor and that I did enjoy the challenge that the job offers. I was able to see what in real life solicitors do, and I will be able to make a more informed choice when I were to choose a career path in the near future!