Future trainee solicitor Review

We were given a schedule packed full of talks showcasing various practice areas, practical workshops, and assignments that emulated trainee tasks, including an ongoing project throughout the scheme. We were assigned a trainee buddy and an associate, who doubled as our project mentor, and our office’s training principal oversaw assignments. Outside of these activities, there were ample opportunities to network with trainees and other vacation schemers and even a virtual escape room.

The individual project developed my networking skills, as we were encouraged to reach out to specialists at the firm to develop our expertise. The busy schedule and the limited time we had to prepare for our pitch honed my ability to manage my time effectively and to produce high quality work under a tight deadline. I also learnt how to effectively showcase my research skills, creativity, commercial mindset through a short business pitch.

I gained a great insight into the work of a commercial law firm and the role of a trainee solicitor. At Shoosmiths, their people live and breathe their values, and these shone through the vast array of people we met from the firm and the focus of the work we undertook – even virtually! By the end, I had gained the confidence to say that both this career and firm are the right fit for me.

Given that we couldn’t physically be in the office, I thought that grasping the firm’s culture and what aspects of that make life as a Shoosmiths’ trainee unique would be difficult. However, at Shoosmiths their people live and breathe their values. Everyone is extremely willing to volunteer their time to support you and ensure that you get the most out of the experience. From start to finish, I felt challenged, valued and excited.

I really enjoyed the insight. We were given a great overview of the work undertaken at the firm through the schedule packed full of full of talks showcasing various practice areas, practical workshops, and assignments that emulated trainee tasks. Despite not being in the office, the willingness of everyone at the firm to take the time out to help you enabled me to establish a great network during my time at the firm and beyond.

Yes

At Shoosmiths, everyone is extremely willing to volunteer their time to support you and ensure that you get the most out of the experience. So be proactive, friendly and put effort into building those relationships; this will show your enthusiasm, enable you to really understand the values that drive Shoosmiths’ strategy and ultimately help you to maximise the opportunity.