First Year Workshop Participant Review

I took part in multiple workshops (for example on ADR) departmental careers fairs (ranging in areas from Real Estate to Tax to Disputes), shadowed a trainee solicitor at the firm working in the Finance division, and watched several presentations on a variety of topics (pro bono, application and interview advice and two corporate case studies). The firm also arranged for an evening social at the nearby Junkyard Golf at which professionals from the firm attended.

I enhanced my knowledge of what the role of a trainee solicitor entails on a day to day basis, as well as further developing my networking skills and a wider appreciation of the breadth and scope of work undertaken by a city-based law firm. The ADR workshop also allowed me to further cultivate my mediation skills and the presentation on interview advice added to my awareness of the qualities and skills required in that situation.

It was incredibly insightful, as representatives working in several divisions each talked about their individual perspectives on what differentiated that particular practice area from other ones. Furthermore, the emphasis on the suitability of people from non-law backgrounds for suiting a legal career was immensely reassuring. Finally, shadowing a trainee was enormously valuable, as it provided me with first-hand, direct experience of the tasks they were expected to undertake, something which is often difficult to discern.

The general atmosphere was an incredibly welcoming one. The graduate recruitment team in particular were very friendly and more than happy to answer any questions I had, no matter how small or random. The interactions between the employees seemed very relaxed and amicable, and considerable emphasis was placed on their valuation of team cohesiveness and maintaining open channels of communication and collaboration across the various different departments, as opposed to a more nakedly competitive dynamic.

I enjoyed the insight scheme to a significant extent - I cannot think of much more which would have improved my experience of the firm or the value I derived from the workshop in the form of increased legal knowledge, enhanced skills and networking opportunities. Everyone was treated with respect and questions were consistently encouraged and listened to. The manner in which I was treated by employees at the firm was unfailingly polite, friendly and welcoming.

Yes

I would advise to extensively research the firm beforehand and gather as much information about it as possible to use when applying. Also, do explore the various schemes on offer to discern your eligibility. Do not be deterred if you, like me, are not studying a law-based degree - this will not count against you. Be confident in your application, and link why you want to participate directly to the firm, not just to the sector.