Winter Vacation Scheme at Shearman & Sterling Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Shearman & Sterling. Over the two weeks, you are placed in two different departments to get as broad an experience as possible. The Vacation Scheme had the right combination of real work to get engaged with, insight talks from departments and socials. All ten students got along very well together and we felt really welcomed by the firm.

I felt really valued by the firm, despite being a non-law student only there for two weeks. Each student was allocated a trainee-mentor and a supervisor, usually an associate. These people in particular supported us in our work and general experiences in the firm. We were trusted with real-client work and I really appreciated being given real tasks to do rather than only reading and observing others.

Our trainee-mentors and supervisors were our main ports of call in terms of support with the work. Everyone I met encouraged me to be inquisitive and I never felt as though someone did not have the time to engage with me. After each piece of work, I was given feedback from my supervisor which was especially helpful. The graduate recruitment team are also very friendly and make it clear that they are always there to help.

In addition to learning from the pieces of work themselves, a vacation scheme in any law firm is an invaluable way of discovering what it is like to work there. Although the information I had gained during Open Days and conferences was correct, experiencing this first-hand was invaluable. Most importantly for me, the vacation scheme led to a training contract offer. At Shearman & Sterling, this is the only route to a training contract. It is just as important to decide that the firm is the right fit for you as the firm decides you are the right fit for the firm.

Very well structured. We were given a clear timetable on the first day and already knew our departments before we started the scheme. There is the right balance between time in departments and getting to know other aspects of the firm. Personally, I really liked that the assessments were held in the second week. Prior to the Vacation Scheme, I only had one interview and did not participate in an assessment centre. This meant that I already knew my peers when in the group exercise, and also felt generally more confident in my interviews as to why I wanted to be at the firm.

Everyone I met was very welcoming and like-minded. We were really encouraged to participate fully with the firm, such as being gifted secret santa presents and being invited to the Christmas parties. From partners to support staff, everyone took the time to say hello and to have a conversation. Fundamentally, the atmosphere in the office alongside such high profile work was what made me confident in accepting the offer.

We had an extensive induction on day 1 to ensure we were ready to be a part of the firm. It was also very clear where to go if we felt as though we needed extra support. We had several development talks, and were also able to get involved with several Pro Bono initiatives which really helped personal development.

In the context of two weeks, I feel as though I got as great an insight as expected. I felt at ease to ask people what their days looked like and what time they left the office the night before. We were given real work, of which many tasks were usually given to trainees, so I feel as though I know what to expect as a trainee at the firm.

Christmas time was a great way to see this culture as it brought lots of people together in different events. We were all given our own desk in our departments, so we could easily see how people interacted with each other. Likewise, experiencing different departments gave you an insight into how the culture varied between departments.

As the Vacation Scheme led to an offer, it decided my future career path for me! Most importantly for me, it made me confident not only that I wanted a career as a solicitor, but that I wanted a career with Shearman & Sterling. The numerous Women's Initiatives I saw throughout the scheme also made me sure that this was achievable.

Yes. We had several events organised for us which the whole firm were invited to, such as Friday drinks. Lots of members of the firm attended these events, including partners, associates and trainees. We were also able to ask questions at the talks held by members from the departments in a smaller setting.

They were really enjoyable! On the first night we had a cooking class alongside the trainees, which was a great way to meet people in an informal setting. We were also given money behind the bar at a cocktail club on the Friday night for trainees only, meaning we could relax with each other. A particular highlight was a private dining experience after our assessments were over in the second week.

Everyone was willing to talk about their experiences. In line with the structure of the firm, we were told that if there are any activities you want to get involved with but don't exist, you are very much encouraged and supported to start these. Lots of trainees and associates discussed their commitment to firm sports teams, for example.

Definitely! There is no better way to understand what it means to work in a firm other than a Vacation Scheme. The small intake means the firm really invests in you as a person and by the second week of assessments, already know who you are. I loved my time at the firm and am very happy with my offer.