Vacation Scheme Review

The vacation scheme was fantastic. It was extremely well organized (much better than others I did) and encouraged us to meet and discuss life at the firm with solicitors and trainees from every department. There were highly informative seminars every morning, followed by work in two different departments over the two weeks. All the solicitors took a keen interest in welcoming me and always took the time to explain how whatever I was working on fitted in to the bigger picture in a given case.

I felt like the work I did really was valued by those that set me tasks. In one instance, I produced a few draft pages for a bid the firm was undertaking for a client. On the last day of my scheme I was called back by the solicitor working on the job, who showed me the final copy. This included all the pages I had written, and I was made to feel as though I had really contributed to the firm's success and the client's happiness.

Although solicitors were naturally very busy, I was given plenty of guidance and was never made to feel stupid for asking to hear something explained twice.

I can think of only one half hour period where I had no work to do, otherwise I was always tasked with something.

I was given more responsibility than at any other firm on a comparable scheme, and, whilst the vac scheme naturally involved doing simple research and filing tasks, I was given plenty of jobs where I felt really challenged.

I feel the understanding I developed of how to work well in an office environment has been very useful in subsequent employment during my year out. Although it was only a 2 week vac scheme, the time management skills I was taught have gone a long way, and I continue to use them to try and work as effectively as possible.

It was truly remarkable. Given that the firm is doing so well, perhaps it's not a surprise, however the culture was definitely open, humorous and collaborative.

It was very well organized. Every day there were different mini-events for us to go to, which helped build our understanding of the whole firm. In the evenings we had social events and work-wise, we were given excellent feedback on everything we did.

As a 2 week vac scheme intern, there wasn't much scope for serious personal development and training, however we were taught a lot about legal research, and given a tour of the law courts that was hugely informative.

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At Mishcon, there really was a sense of collegiality and team spirit, with an onus on building the firm as a place that is focused on enabling lawyers to achieve everything they want, and I can't wait to become part of this.

A few months down the line, I am still in touch with a number of my fellow vac scheme students, such was the bond we developed on the scheme. We were never made to feel like we were competing against one another, and were encouraged to befriend and help one another throughout.

Central London prices unfortunately! Although the beer at The Pig (pub round the corner) is quite reasonable.

The pubs were very lively and an evening spent at the bowling nearby was really good fun. Beyond that I don't know!

We were all invited along to the firm's anniversary ball, held a few weeks after our scheme. Additionally, I was told that when I start my TC, there will be good opportunities to take part in pro bono work at local law clinics.