2021 Fast Track Scheme Review

Each day was a mixture of talks and Q&A sessions from various teams and departments as well as interactive team activities. There were only 12 participants, meaning there was plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction. We were given insight sessions into the private equity, banking and finance and restructuring teams followed by group-work sessions where we worked on tasks such as interpreting legislation, creating company structure charts and writing an NDA. We were also given an individual task by the pro bono team which we worked on throughout the week, then went over with associates from the team. We also spoke with a Diversity and Inclusion representative, had sessions about SPACs and an overview of a recent deal, and had a networking lunch with trainees as well as application advice sessions with the grad recruitment team. On the second day, there was also a virtual escape room social for participants. We were assessed for vac scheme during the week, with a written exercise and an interview at the the end of the week.

I was able to learn in-depth about areas of law I was not aware of and areas of development in the commercial world, particularly through the SPAC talk. I also think that the group-work tasks were challenging enough to encourage debate and communication in the groups and allow us to actually learn things rather than dumbing the work down. I also improved my research skills through the pro bono task, which involved considering the implications of a commercial deal between two non-profits.

I think that we got a really good overview of the teams within the firm through the insight sessions. As Weil is a private equity specialist, I think that it was great to focus an insight session on PE, and after the tasks were complete, there was enough opportunity to ask questions due to the small size of the cohort. My favourite session was with the restructuring team, as they gave extremely in-depth advice as to the nature of the job, the transactions completed, and client work. Each team was also genuinely interested in our feedback on each task and was committed to making any improvements we suggested.

The company culture, particularly the focus on pro bono work, diversity and inclusion, and skills development really shone through and was emphasised by every speaker. The fact that the weeklong task was a pro bono one showed the firm's commitment to pro bono work and the way it is completely integrated into the work of the firm. Grad rec were friendly and helpful throughout the scheme and the pre-scheme communication, and I genuinely enjoyed the vac scheme interview because of them. All speakers were happy to help us, offering us contact details for D&I leaders and trainee emails.

I thought the insight was fantastic. I have taken part in several schemes this year, and I felt that this was the best. It was well organised, with a great mix of activities and learning opportunities. The small number of participants meant that we all felt heard and valued, got to know each other, and there was a non-competitive atmosphere throughout. There was no talk that was boring, all speakers were extremely engaging and it felt like they wanted to be there. I felt that the opportunity for fast-track made the scheme feel more worthwhile and gave us motivation to stay engaged. I am really looking forward to taking part in the vac scheme next year.

Yes

The application process was fairly long, with an application form, Watson-Glaser test, virtual interview and telephone interview with grad rec. I think I was successful largely because I took the time to know the firm's major strengths in terms of department and exactly what distinguishes them from other firms. It's important to know what makes the Weil vac scheme especially unique from other firms and to be at least vaguely aware of private equity. However, I think the most important thing is to show the team your personality and your genuine excitement to become a lawyer and work with them. I would highly recommend this scheme for anyone who wants to be valued as an individual and work with a smaller and tight-knit cohort.