Vacation Scheme Student Review
by Herbert Smith Freehills
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
3.9
-
The Company
4.3
-
The Culture
3.1
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
Lots of social events, plenty of opportunities to meet people at all levels in the firm. The seat allocation generally followed preferences submitted in advance, and the departments seemed ready to cater for Vac Schemers, had work ready and everyone was really helpful! Going round to ask for work was easy: even partners were easy to talk to.
Everyone who gave me work, whether legal research or small menial jobs on massive transactions, were hugely appreciative. Especially for legal research, they saw being a university student a huge advantage.
The structure is excellent. Every Vac Schemer has a partner mentor to whom they can bring any queries, as well as a supervisor (senior associate/partner) and a trainee buddy, who is there to answer all of the silly questions you need to ask!
It is extremely group-dependent. Some litigation seats are quieter in the summer when courts are closed, and the market conditions at the moment mean that some corporate seats can also be variable. Nevertheless, there is always something to be getting on with
I am not sure any Law Placements let you "run the show", but I definitely felt as though my input was important. Many tasks I completed proceeded to be in the final document, or were tasks which no-one else would check or verify, and so needed to be correct.
Great emphasis is put on development, and feedback from supervisors also helped in this regard.
The Company
Really relaxed, everyone was friendly, and I felt I could go to anyone for help.
Everything ran smoothly, with plenty of talks etc. all arranged and known about in advance.
They have put a great deal of time and effort into making me feel like part of the firm, and seem genuinely interested in me/my background.
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
International Travel
Company Parties/Events
Training Contract interviews occur at the end of scheme.
The Culture
The first night saw the Interns go for a meal unsupervised and with a company tab, which was a great way to get to know everyone. However, there were not enough socials in the first week to really get to know each other well, and it was only in the last week where I felt everyone fully gelled together. When we did have socials, though, they were great fun!
Everywhere in the City is expensive!
The best location in the City for moving on somewhere else. Close to all of the main social parts of town.
Pity there was no formal Pro Bono work scheduled in, as compulsory (and extremely enjoyable) at other firms. Aside from that, sports etc. were open to all.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
London
July 2012
