Vacation Scheme Student Review

The scheme was great: intellectually challenging, very informative and a lot of fun.

Whilst any contribution a vac scheme student can make is inherently limited by lack of experience and professional legal training, I was made to feel that my contribution in progressing a matter was genuinely worthwhile: draft emails to clients, draft board resolutions etc were reviewed by my supervisor and I was able to see the (not too dissimilar) final product that went out to the client.

I received as much guidance and support as I needed - there was a great balance of not being mollycoddled but at the same time never feeling out of my depth. You are accorded a lot of independence and autonomy in both the tasks that you are set and in the way that you manage and prioritise these; yet there is always someone on hand willing to offer guidance.

Weil takes a very practical view about your future career; it is openly acknowledged that you will be applying for other firms and some useful guidance is given on this.

The vacation scheme was incredibly well structured - it was clear that a lot of thought and planning had went into ensuring that students were given an insight into and exposure to the various departments, outside of those in which they 'sat' for the duration of the scheme. This was predominantly through practice area talks with associates and trainees from the main departments.

Buzzing - there's just a really positive, excited feel about the office that you can't describe. Yes, everyone is working hard, but they're incredibly enthusiastic about what they are doing and very happy to take time out to explain it to you.

Everyone is pretty honest about what it is like to work at Weil.

You certainly won't get as good an idea from just reading the legal press.

£400/week.

There were various opportunities for meeting other employees from all levels - practice area talks, socials, etc; and if there was someone you wanted to talk to but hadn't yet had the opportunity, you really were made to feel that you could knock on their for a chat.

Socials were pretty great: lunches with grad recruitment, cocktail making with some trainees, and the annual summer party (with the whole firm) on the roof terrace overlooking the City.

There are various pro bono activities in which employees are encouraged to become involved.

I would recommend it to some of my friends; not all. It's hard work and it really pushes you; but it's very satisfying.