First Year Workshop Review

It was a jam-packed insight scheme, including an overview of 2 real-life case studies alongside an afternoon spent shadowing a trainee. For the latter experience, I attended an internal team and external client meeting whilst also being assigned a departmental task. The workshop also included dedicated interview and AC sessions alongside multiple panels, ranging from the experiences of trainees to an overview of the pro-bono department. The participants also worked in teams during a mock mediation dispute, where we had to negotiate a deal for our client against one's peers.

I have definitely developed my skills of commercial awareness and how to improve one's own business acumen in preparation for Assessment Centre's. Also, I have developed the skill of how to network effectively, which is due to the multiple interactions that I had with firm employees. Finally, my skill of teamwork was improved through projects that I worked on with my peers alongside those embarked on with the trainee that I was shadowing.

My knowledge of both the firm and commercial law generally was greatly enhanced. For the latter, this was best served by a law fair, whereby each practice area had a table with a trainee and associate and we could develop a business overview and ask relevant questions. This developed a cross-sector awareness of the various facets of law, although the fact that the firm was able to provide this insight for us means that I view the business most favourably.

The culture appeared to be friendly and welcoming whilst also being accompanied by the necessity of hard work. The firm representatives were particularly approachable and made you feel at ease, despite's one's general newness to law. Nevertheless, there was a sense that the high-profile clients mean that the firm culture can be serious when it is necessitated - although, this is valued as opposed to a firm being 'too nice' and thus seeming less professional.

I really enjoyed the workshop because I felt like the firm put the effort into ensuring that we could develop the most holistic and valuable insights possible. I would wholeheartedly recommend this scheme to any students looking to develop their business acumen and understanding of the profession.

Yes

The advice I would give is to ensure you have high standards of professionalism whilst also ensuring that your personality shows through and that you are 'truly yourself'. This is because it is the best way to succeed at interview, rather than having a distinct personality and will truly enhance your likelihood of success.