Vacation Scheme Review

I was assigned work by my supervisor in each of the two seat. It was mostly research tasks as well as some more technical tasks to help the supervisors with their ongoing projects. In addition, we had to work on a group project, the outcomes of which were to produce a video and prepare for Q&A on our assigned topics. We also had insight sessions almost every day about different departments/specialisations within the firm. Finally, we were encouraged to reach out to associates and partners to arrange short talks and find out more about various aspects of the firm.

I have gained a more comprehensive understanding of various specialisations which I could potentially qualify into after my TC. The requirements to complete supervisor- assigned tasks, work on a group project and meet many people within the firm were quite demanding so we had to develop our time-management and organisational skills. I also certainly developed my teamwork skills since the vac scheme was leaning very hard into team-based assignments. In addition, I certainly improved my legal research skills since the supervisors were prepared to give us rather involved tasks and entrust a lot of responsibility in vac schemers.

We have attended insight sessions for almost every department and, in those session, there were representatives with more specific focus within the respective departments. They gave us rather comprehensive insights into their day-to-day tasks, past projects and trainee roles. They were always open for a chat and additional questions after the sessions. The group task also facilitated our understanding of the different roles within the firm, it's client base and the focus of the firm. Partners were very friendly and open for individual chats as well as for more formal interviews for the purpose of our group tasks. Overall, it was no problem approaching anyone within the firm to find out more about different aspects of the job.

The atmosphere overall was very friendly. We had a to of contact with very senior personnel and they were not expecting from us do the impossible and to know everything there is to know. Anyone could be easily approached with questions and they would usually be answered if the senior lawyers had time. If not, we were also assigned to buddies (current trainees) who were very helpful with the most trivial questions and would also often take us out for lunch and socials. With respect to the culture, the firm and its employees seem to take diversity and inclusion very seriously. I got the impression the people were open-minded and conscious about social issues and the climate change- these were big topics within the firm.

I really enjoyed getting to know so many like-minded, motivated and ambitious people within these two weeks. I appreciated that TW tried not to put too much pressure not he vac schemers, although the schedule was very packed and we did have to stay in the office after working hours a few times. However, I learned a lot and definitely have a very positive experience of the vac scheme overall. The socials were also a nice touch, with events organised for us both within and outside the office.

Yes

When writing the initial application, it is important to do a very thorough research into market/global trends that affect the TW client base, especially tech, lifesciences, real estate. During the interviews, they expect for you to share your previous experiences very honestly and be reflective about those experiences. Neither the interviews, nor the initial application should be about some great achievements- they are more interested in how you react to different challenges and situations in life and how commercially aware you are.