Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed the placement. It was only for one week which meant it was busy and not to stretched out. The people that I met were all keen to talk to me and really made me feel involved.

I felt very valued. Initially I thought that the work that I would be doing would not be that helpful to my colleagues, but as the week progressed, I could see that I was making a real difference and helping my buddy trainee with her workload. She thanked me for the work I had done at the end of the week, and commented on how much I had helped her and saved her time. That was nice to hear. I felt that through this, I had got experience of a real trainee work load.

My buddy trainee made sure that she explained everything to me thoroughly. She often popped over to my desk to make sure I was okay. Becasue of this, I felt that I had a good level of guidance, and even if I was still unsure, I felt very comfortable in going and asking her for further advice.

I was quite busy, especially at the beginning of the week. On my first day I was invited to a conference call and a meeting by a partner. Towards the end of the week, the work slowed a little, but this wasn't a problem as I had plenty to be getting on with with the presentation project that we were assigned on the first day.

I felt that I had an appopriate amount of responsibility. Obviously due to the nature of the work, it is not possible to have a high level. However, I did draft a couple of very short letters, which once checked were in fact sent out.

Having sat in the corporate department, I defintely got a good insight into that type of work. I have never experienced this area before and so this was obviously something which I can take away with me and hopefully put into practice should I do a corporate seat during the course of a training contract. It was also extremely beneficial to listen in on a conference call conducted by a partner and solicitor, as a lot of learning can be done by watching and listening.

Everyone was very friendly with each other and there was a good atmosphere even when it was quite stressful and busy. It was also nice to hear colleagues discussing potential fancy dress ideas for an upcoming charity event. That reflected the overall culture of the firm. Friendly.

I had little knowledge about the placement before I started, except for which department I would be working in and who to report to. It was quite well organised, but due to being this year's first week of vac schemers, the trainees seemed unsure of the arrangements for our presentation and exit interview.

All colleagues tried to explain the bigger picture for work that I was doing so that I could have a better understanding. One week isn't enough time for a firm to give any training. I don't think that is expected however, these placements are merely to get an insight into the firm and the work.

I felt my placement and exit presentation and interview went well. I would like to think that it was enough to get invited to a subsequent assesment day and interview. However, at most firms, vac schemers get an interview for a training contract during the week and so in that sense vac schemes are invaluable in getting your foot in the door so to speak. At Shoosmiths, I do slightly feel that at present (whilst waiting to hear whether I have been called to assement day and interview) that I am no further than someone who applies directly for a training contract, rendering the vacation scheme slightly unhelpful (and in some senses just another hurdle) in securing a TC with the firm.

We were invited to a summer social which had a good turnout of current trainees, vac schemers and future vac schemers. I was also lucky enough to be invited to the BTSS rounders event, which was an unexpected perk. However, I did not spend much time with the other vac schemers, and we weren't really introduced at an introductory meeting. In that sense, as a vac schemer, you dd feel slightly isolated.

I live very near the area and was able to walk to work so it cost me nothing. All social events and travel to and from were put on by the firm, which was great. Birmingham in general is not that expensive. It depends where you go, but there's something for everyone.

Brindley Place has a lot of nice bars and restaurants, and Broad Street is just across the road. It's there if you want to go, but this isnt something we did during my placement.

I was invited to take part in the Birmingham Trainee Solicitor Society Rounders Tournament, which was unexpected. I really enjoyed this and it was a good insight into the types of extra-curricular activities you can get involved with at a trainee solicitor at any Birmingham firm.