Dentons Vacation Scheme Review

I enjoyed all aspects of the scheme, ranging from the organised social events to the content of the work set. While virtual, the scheme still managed to provide an excellent insight into life at Dentons.

I felt valued/supported from the start of the application process to end of the vacation scheme. To illustrate this, even senior members of staff who were not directly involved in the scheme went out of their way to welcome me to the firm, and answer any questions I had.

The HR team structured this virtual vacation scheme excellently. The BlueJeans system was easy to navigate. I felt supported by my supervisors/trainee buddies, and also felt that the environment of the firm was one in which I was able to ask any questions I had.

I was only at the firm for four days but it was still a great opportunity for me to develop skills of virtual communication as I had never completed a virtual vacation scheme before. In terms of content, both departments I sat in gave me challenging work, and provided feedback which I will use to improve in the future. However, as a virtual scheme, it only lasted for four days.

The vacation scheme was structured excellently, particularly given the novel virtual nature of the scheme. It ran smoothly; I can only remember one technological hiccup.

There was a general atmosphere of friendliness and flexibility. The organisers also managed to incorporate some elements of fun with two virtual socials, one before joining and the other while at the firm. These did not feel forced, and helped candidates get to know each other better. Ultimately, this contributed to the friendly atmosphere between candidates

The firm's HR department did very well in personally calling each candidate at the beginning of COVID lockdown to re-assure us that the scheme would still go ahead, albeit in a different format. All supervisors and buddies that I worked with were happy to give advice, and it was easy to set up virtual meetings/catch ups. We were also invited to a Global Town Hall before starting, and in-firm Yoga/fitness sessions.

Yes, as much as is possible with a virtual scheme.

Yes, as much as is possible with a virtual scheme. A culture of supportiveness and friendliness permeated even through a screen, so that gave me a taste of what the culture would be like in person.

My enjoyment of the scheme re-iterated my desire to become a lawyer, hopefully at Dentons.

Even though the scheme was altered in light of COVID, and we completed the scheme remotely, participants were still paid.

Yes; and this extended beyond the employees specifically assigned to give me advice. As an example, the Partner who interviewed me 5 months ago sent me an email of her own accord to welcome me to the firm, and we set up a call so that I could ask her any questions that I may have had prior to beginning the scheme.

The firm organised two virtual social events, one prior to the start of the scheme, and another on the first day. As candidates, we also set up a WhatsApp group and organised our own Zoom socials before the scheme, and on the last day to celebrate finishing. It was nice that all the other candidates were so friendly and we weren't competing with each other

We found out about the diversity and inclusion networks that employees can get involved with, which is really important. Other than this, there wasn't much information given about other activities that employees can get involved with outside of work. However, given the shortened version of the scheme, this is totally understandable.

Absolutely!