Vacation Scheme Student Review

During the week, I sat with a legal department within the Firm. I undertook tasks assigned by my supervisor which were both assessed and informative, as well as completing work for other fee earners of varying seniority within the team on an ad hoc basis. I attended scheduled introductory talks from departments across the Firm introducing key areas of work undertaken by Mishcon. The week culminated in assessments for consideration of a TC offer.

Legal skills: Completion of routine forms and documentation in Family law, drafting of communications, proper formatting of attendance notes. Soft skills: Professional communication styles (formal and informal), networking, time-management, prioritisation, resilience and problem-solving techniques.

Mishcon organised department talks by Fee-earners across the Firm who introduced various practice areas, their routine work, practice highlights and team members. These talks were an excellent way to gain insight into the different types of work the Firm undertakes, and the professional standing the departments have across the legal industry. What was particularly helpful was how each department related its practice area to the ethos of Mishcon as a business and to the work of other legal departments across the Firm.

Extremely welcoming, encouraging and supportive. I was introduced to members of the Firm who occupied a wide range of positions within the Firm. I felt welcomed by even the most senior employees at Mishcon. We were introduced to team leaders through department talks and I felt very comfortable introducing myself and engaging with everyone I came across during my week. There was a friendly and collegiate atmosphere.

I found the insight extremely enjoyable overall. While the tasks and assessments were challenging, I felt this was a fair demand to enable me to properly determine whether I was fit to train with the Firm. I received encouraging feedback and finished the week satisfied that I had gained a holistic understanding of the Firm. I have made some lasting connections with others in my insight cohort.

Yes

Be upfront about who you are, what your goals are and why you're interested in the Firm. Mishcon is a Firm that welcomes individuality and assesses personality compatibility as much as intellectual capability. Be open-minded and inquisitive about the Firm, remembering that your best opportunity to learn about Mishcon's ethos and business is by speaking directly to the people who make up its community.