Vacation Scheme Participant

I attended an insight which involved plenty of activities, from case workshops to networking. This was an introduction to the firm and to the legal sector in general. The insight focused on giving us an understanding of the different practices the firm is involved across and what it specialises in, particularly commercial law. Those who networked well were also given an opportunity to interview for a trainee solicitor role, while those who missed out still got a good insight into the company.

Not too much academically as the theory of the law is very difference from its practice. However, from a professional viewpoint I have learnt some basic rules on how to conduct myself in the legal sector, and what steps I need to take to submit a successful application for a training contract. There were also networking skills that I developed which will serve me well both when applying for contracts and during my career in general.

There were numerous presentations and networking events throughout the day and I was assigned a mentor who has since supported me in my application to the firm. I was also encouraged to ask any questions about the firm and the legal sector - which is always a welcome sign. I was also able to gain an insight into the non legal roles available at the company, including HR, finance and audit, which legal firms are increasingly involved in.

Good but competitive - a lot of attendees gave me the impressive that they viewed others as competition. This created a hostile environment among some, although the majority were very friendly. The staff worked hard to create a positively-themed insight day despite the high numbers in attendance, and gave us plenty on support prior to the day itself. They emphasized the differences between themselves and other law firms, and the insight also included more information on the company than other insight days I have attended.

It was good but not excellent - the insight scheme was designed to give us additional information on how to break into the legal sector. I enjoyed being advised on how to make my future applications stand out, but I got the impression that other people on the insight were overly competitive. The fact that there were so many of us however, diminished our individual significance as it was like being a small fish in a big pond.

Yes

Try and read up on how Allen & Overy differentiates itself from other law firms. Read up on someof the cses they have won - particularly commercial cases, as this is what the company prides itself in. Try and secure connections with alumni at your university to name-drop them in application forms. Law firms can seem quite rigid and hierarchical at times, which is why it is important to show that you have made an effort to speak to people within the firm.