Vacation Scheme Student Review

It was genuinely a greatly insightful experience. I had the opportunity to ask different individuals, at all levels of the firm, questions and they were always enthusiastic to respond. Further, I learned a great deal of new information about Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner that I had otherwise not come across previously in my search.

Yes, I felt valued during my time at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. As previously stated, I had the opportunity to interact with a variety of different individuals, at all levels of seniority, both fee - earning and otherwise. Overall, they were always enthusiastic to have us as students on board and answer any questions that we may have.

The very first session we had as vacation scheme students at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner was one around understanding the purpose of this summer vacation scheme and how to best be able to learn from it and come across as active members, particularly given that it had gone virtual.

Throughout the online scheme at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner we were given two trainee tasks that were later evaluated by the respective departments. I felt that this was a great way to get actively involved in work that the firm does, as a vacation scheme student, and simultaneously build on my own skills as a future trainee. In addition, every seminar and session held had a specific focus and so it helped us develop our understandings and skills more generally.

Given the current situation that we are in, amid a global pandemic, I believe the team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner was very well equipped to handle the vacation scheme for all students on board. Almost all the sessions ran well without any mishaps, technical or otherwise, and students were able to ask their questions in a constructive manner and learn more.

There was an honest mood of enthusiasm to have the students on board. All partners, associates, trainees, graduate recruitment -- every person that we interacted with -- was positive and genuinely excited to be there with us at the moment and to share their experience with us. I was impressed with their enthusiasm which encouraged me to get more actively involved.

As previously shared, every individual at the firm was willing to put in their time and share about their experiences in an effort to make you learn more and develop yourself. That is highly valuable in my opinion, particularly given the difficulties many individuals are facing in their day to day lives as a result of the pandemic.

Given the variety of the type of sessions that were held in the firm generally, I felt that I was given the opportunity to learn as much about the firm and what my role would be as a trainee solicitor and beyond during my time a the firm. I think that is really invaluable.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner really promotes its culture and the friendly collegiate atmosphere that they have created at the firm. And to be fair, it is a genuine reality at the firm and I was able to feel it -- even if I was only there virtually. Everybody was engaged, happy, and enthusiastic to be sharing their experiences with you.

The content shared during this vacation scheme has been greatly helpful in choosing to pursue my career as a trainee solicitor and in particular at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Overall, every session had a different angle to it and assisted you, as a student, to see the firm in different lights.

I was paid 400 GBP for the week I spent at the firm. I believe that is a more than fair amount to be paid for this scheme.

Yes. Throughout our time at the firm, every individual was given the opportunity to interact with various individuals at the firm through scheduling "virtual coffees" with them over telephone or video conferencing. This experience, and the friendly nature of the conversations was greatly helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the firm and its culture.

The social elements of the scheme were fun, albeit a little limited given the nature of the scheme being virtual. However, there was a genuine effort from every involved party, from graduate recruitment, trainees, and students on the scheme, to make the sessions as interactive as possible and engaging for everyone.

Yes. The teams at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner shared that there are a variety of team activities for different individuals to get involved in. There is a huge range from volunteer work with specific charities that the firm works with as well as various sports related activities for everyone to get involved with.

Absolutely. If an individual intends to gain more experience in the legal field and particularly what it is to be a trainee in a City law firm, I would wholeheartedly recommend them to apply for the BCLP vacation scheme so that they can gain a true insight into the firm and what life as a trainee is.