Winter Vacation Scheme Student Review
by Herbert Smith Freehills
Rating
-
About You
4.8
-
The Company
4.5
-
Everything Else
4.6
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
The vacation scheme was fantastic. I learnt a lot the different practice areas at the firm and also about the mechanics of how a law firm operates with regards to the roles of different practice groups and how different departments integrate with one another. Everybody at the firm was very friendly and happy to help with any questions or issues.
The work given was always for real clients and constructive feedback was always given. Senior management were very approachable (via email) and would make time for a 'virtual coffee' and a chat. The impression was very much that the firm were trying to impress us as much as we were trying to impress them!
We were given supervisors who were either partners or senior associates in each week-long seat. We were also given trainee buddies to assist and for general advice. Regular catch-up calls were scheduled at least once a day, if not more. When being given new work, we would always receive a call for background information and a clear brief on the task.
Coming from an engineering background, the legal skills acquired are not directly applicable to my degree, however my general problem-solving skills and commercial awareness has definitely improved. However, progressing with a career in law, I'm sure the skills gained on the vacation scheme will be invaluable.
The Company
Regular departmental presentations were given for insight into the different practice areas in the firm. We also had a networking fair and a pro bono task to complete, culminating in a presentation of our findings. Overall, everything ran seamlessly and was a very well structured scheme.
Very friendly atmosphere. The CEO took the time to run a long Q&A session with all the vacation scheme students. All of the partners, associates and trainees I spoke to were more than happy to answer any questions and to have a friendly conversation. Diversity and inclusivity highly emphasised at the firm.
No specific personal training - only a 2 week internship.
We were given real work from partners and associates, which gave a flavour of being a trainee. We also had the opportunity to talk to our trainee buddies who often suggested other trainees to talk to as well.
Very much.
Highly valuable.
Everything Else
Lots of opportunities.
Difficult due to the scheme being online, however the firm arranged a murder mystery night via an app and had a chocolate making kit sent through the post.
Various talks on pro bono opportunities as well as the various networks within the firm.
Yes
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Intellectual Property Law
London
December 2020
