Vacation Scheme Student Review

The experience was incredibly enjoyable. I got the opportunity to work on real life client matters, meet people of all levels of seniority around the firm, learn new skills for my personal development and make new friends. The culture of the firm was still able to come across in this virtual experience and everyone was incredibly helpful, supportive and open to speak with you.

Everyone at the firm made the effort to spend time with you. I was able to meet with associates, trainees and partners who made me feel as though I was part of the firm.

The support I received from my supervisor, buddy and others within the firm was nothing short of exceptional. It was one of the biggest parts of what made this virtual experience so enjoyable. I was made to feel comfortable enough to ask any questions, and everyone in the firm opened their doors to me when I needed guidance or support.

The virtual experience provided me with not only an insight into life at Taylor Wessing, but also allowed me to develop my personal skills which will help me in all aspects of my future. Whether this be at Taylor Wessing or otherwise. I learned lots of new skills on innovation and how to be an effective collaborator.

The virtual experience was packed full of interesting sessions. My only concern was that there wasn't sufficient enough periods between certain sessions to allow one to digest what was previously discussed and formulate any further questions I wished to ask before moving onto the next session.

The general atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone was incredibly friendly and open. The partners, associates and trainees made you feel welcome and part of the team. I never felt worried about having to ask for help or ask questions at times when this was required!

The firm invested a lot into my personal training and development, putting on sessions focusing on improving specific skills which are important in all parts of life (such as collaboration and innovation).

Considering the scheme was originally planned to be in the office, but moved virtually due to the effects of COVID 19, the scheme did a very good job of simulating what it would be like to have a full time role with the company. I was able to become involved in client matters, and work on hypothetical tasks which full time employees of the firm would undertake.

Considering the complexities of running an online vacation scheme, Taylor Wessing did incredibly well to ensure the culture of the firm came across virtually. I could see the firm's culture of demanding excellence from their staff, while supporting them and pushing their personal development. This came across particularly in the camaraderie between colleagues and how helpful my supervisor and buddy were.

The experience has allowed me to come to the conclusion that a career in commercial law is DEFINITELY for me. It should me the sort of work I would be undertaking and how challenging, but intellectually stimulating, that work can be. This intellectual stimulation and challenge is something I would expect, and also demand, from my future career.

I received payment for the vacation scheme. This was reduced due to the home working nature of the scheme, but the pay rate was still incredibly good for the week.

The opportunities for networking were very good. The firm arranged socials for us to engage with other people from around the firm, ranging from trainees to associates and partners. Members of the firm were also incredibly open to meeting with you in their free time to discuss their life as an employee of Taylor Wessing, their career path or for general chit chats.

The networking and social events were fun, well planned and worked well in the virtual setting. They include a quiz on Responsible Business, as well as a virtual scavenger hunt.

Yes, I did. Employees at the firm openly talked about sports teams, societies and also the pro bono and volunteering work that the firm carried out.

I would definitely recommend this experience to a friend who was interested in a career in commercial law. It was insightful, thought-provoking, engaging and generally fun to be involved in.