Vacation Scheme Review

The virtual vacation scheme at Taylor Wessing exceeded my expectations. Although it was challenging and demanding, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Not only did we gain a real insight into life at the firm, but everyone went out of their way to make you feel welcome and give you their time; which for a city law firm is quite rare. I met some great individuals, both on the scheme and members of the firm, which enhanced my enjoyment throughout the week.

I felt extremely valued during my time at the firm. Not only was I made to feel very welcome, but I was given tasks that were tied to active client matters. This showed that the firm valued our input and work right from the outset. Further, before we joined the scheme, we were able to select practice area preferences. The firm was able to tailor the scheme to my preferences perfectly, which was further evidence that they valued my interests and career ambitions.

The support and guidance during the vacation scheme was faultless. With the scheme taking place virtually, there were inevitable technology failings. The IT and graduate recruitment support through this was instant and effective. I was also able to use my trainee buddies and supervisor for support throughout the week, whether this was advice on a particular task or reaching out to the correct individual within the firm, it made the week go so much smoother.

The skills and information that I was exposed to during my time at the firm will help me immensely in my future career. Not only did it give me a better understanding of the type of firm that I want to build my career at, but also the particular area of practice. Additionally, Taylor Wessing took the time to help us develop skills in innovation and becoming a more well-rounded lawyer of the future. These are skills I hope to build on.

The week was very well structured. Our timetable was circulated well in advance and was packed full of 'focus on' sessions and skill sessions. There was also enough space to enable me to network with different individuals across the firm.

Although it would have been great to have completed the scheme at Taylor Wessing's London office, the atmosphere was still fun, inclusive and exciting. The various socials that were held throughout the week helped with this immensely.

It was clear that future trainees mean a great deal to Taylor Wessing. As a result, the firm invests a huge amount of time and expense from the initial application stage, right through to the scheme itself.

The scheme helped with this significantly. Across the five days, I got a real sense of what it would be like to be a trainee and solicitor at the firm full time. From the IT induction on the first day, to the trainee Q&A session, it was a really insightful experience. Not only has this reaffirmed my decision to categorise Taylor Wessing as my top choice firm, but it gave me a greater understanding of what it takes to become a commercial solicitor at a top city firm.

The vacation scheme was extremely helpful in understanding the company culture. From day one, everyone went out of their way to be friendly, welcoming and inclusive. This was also evidenced in the approach-ability of even the most senior individuals at the firm.

Extremely valuable. I sat in Corporate Technology during my vacation scheme, and through talking to various individuals and getting involved in real life work that the firm undertakes, I was instantly hooked. This has helped shape what specific career path I would like to take. The firm was also able to give me a real insight into all other areas of the firm, which has exposed me to practice areas that I wouldn't have necessarily considered before the scheme started.

While the opportunities to network and meet other employees was more challenging virtually, this did not stop their being plenty of opportunities to do so. We were actively encouraged to be networking during any time that we had available and you were aided by the firm to help you do so. I couldn't fault this. I was also involved in weekly catch up meetings within my practice area, which helped me meet a greater number of individuals.

The networking and social events were really enjoyable and informal. These opportunities helped me gain a wider insight of the firm, its culture and the individuals within.

I would 100% recommend this vacation scheme to a friend. Not only is Taylor Wessing a great firm, but they really value their future trainees. While you are challenged, you are given a great deal of support and met with a welcoming smile from day one. If you want to be a lawyer of tomorrow, dealing with cutting edge and innovative clients and be part of a really inclusive firm, Taylor Wessing is for you.