Vacation Scheme Review

Due to the covid crisis, the scheme took place virtually. It involved a mixture of focus-on sessions, which looked at the different practice areas available at the firm, networking opportunities, skills sessions, assessments and social events. The focus on sessions were very informative and through, and I really enjoyed the skills sessions, which I found to be very engaging. I also got to experience the friendly, collaborative culture at the firm by speaking to trainees, solicitors and partners about daily-life at the Firm.

As mentioned, due to the Covid crisis, the scheme took place virtually. This meant that the practice area task i was given was not a live task pertaining to a current client. However, i did get the opportunity to research and discuss some advice regarding a current client in my practice area. Additionally, I personally feel that some of the content in the presentation we gave discussing how the Firm could strengthen a specific area, could be explored further by the Firm.

I was given excellent guidance and support throughout the week. On the first day, we were given a very comprehensive induction into how to use the Firm’s systems and software. I was provided with an excellent trainee and supervisor, who both really welcomed me, and helped in anyway required. The support staff, including the IT team were also exceptionally efficient, which was especially vital as it was a virtual scheme. Finally, the Graduate Talent Team made sure to check-in everyday, to ensure that everything was going well and provide any support required.

As mentioned, the focus-on sessions presented the different practice areas available at the Firm. There were a large number of sessions and they were all very comprehensive. I would certainly utilise the knowledge gained, when considering different areas of the legal profession i wish to pursue. Additionally, there was an excellent skill session on collaboration, exploring how best to interact within a team. It was very interesting, and provided a good insight in to how to work well and engage with a team, in any scenario.

The scheme was very well structured, with the sessions mentioned above.

The general atmosphere was very friendly. Despite being a virtual scheme, the talent team really tried to ensure that all participants were known to one another before. A linkedin group was setup and a pre-scheme social event was organised. This meant that on the scheme itself, we were familiar with one another. Additionally, the social events during the scheme allowed the group to bond as a whole.

The insight certainly provided me with a comprehensive understanding of what it would be like to work at the firm. All the focus on sessions mentioned what work trainees and associates were given in that practice area, and the networking sessions and social events with the trainees allowed me to get a good insight into the culture of the Firm.

Yes. See above

Certainly.