Summer Vacation Scheme Review

Fantastic insight into the company and daily operations. Extensive range of opportunities to get involved in the legal work of both associates and somtimes Partners across the practice areas. I felt involed in a range of high profile deals and tasks were often important to the overall outcome. Well organised insight with the right balance between talks, assessments and real work. Friendly and professional firm with a growing trend of extremely intelligent lawyers appearing throughout the office made for a complete experience.

Despite undertaking the scheme during August when the office was relatively quiet, I felt my support was appreciated in the office when deadlines were approaching. Without any formal legal qualifications the scope of value remains limited yet Mayer Brown provided an ample framework to contribute and learn.

I was very fortunate in the fact that the Trainee/Partner I sat with throughout the scheme took the time to discuss the wider process and meaning behind their current work. This was vital as other firms often just provide tasks without offering any reasoning as to why you are doing what has been asked. A few more talks about each practice area and current deals of Mayer Brown would have been helpful.

N/A - As I have now graduated, but a number of research tasks/memos and learnt background knowledge will be useful for law school.

Without doubt, one of the best structured schemes in the City. Numerous dinners, evening social events, drinks with trainees, lunch with Partners, trip to Paris and the Law Courts as well as numerous opportunities to engage with people throughout the firm. Significant amount of time and investment in the scheme to find the best candidates was clearly apparent from the start as Mayer Brown increasing cheery pick their new intake each year.

Great atmosphere on the scheme, very friendly Lawyers and recruitment staff (Caroline and Juliet), great bunch of trainees who participated in many of the events throughout. Could have done with a few more out of office social events with other vacation scheme candidates to hear about their seat experiences, as the more friendly-social side only emerged in the final week (of three). Overall, a prime opportunity to experience the legal profession in a full-service International Corporate Law firm.

Extensive talks about training opportunities and the formal structure of Professional skills/learning available throughout a career at Mayer Brown. Less formal training on the scheme and more hands-on approach to gain experience, which I believe is the best way to learn.

Complete experience. Definitely cleared up a number of uncertainties and questions about daily work, career development, intellectual stimulation, and demands of an International law firm.

Most doors are open throughout the office and everyone was willing to truthfully answer any burning questions about hours, competitiveness of salary, market positioning, headcount etc. Culture appeared hard working, professional, experienced, and open to supporting those starting out in a legal career.

Extremely valuable opportunity to make informed decisions about a future legal career at a prestigious firm.

(275 week plus a trip to Paris and numerous dinners).

First class. I met a number of significant market-leading Partners and experienced associates throughout my time at the firm.

Networking was extensive, more so at the junior end but if you were lucky a number of opportunities existed to engage with senior Partners. Social events outside the firm were minimal with a few meals and bowling, however as Graduate Recruitment came along to most events, it felt like a continual assessment rather than any socialising with other candidates to hear about their real opinions of other seats.

Minimal. Occasional Cricket and Rugby informally organised. General consensus supported the view you do not join an International Law Firm to 'Swan around' playing sport from 5.30pm onwards.

Highly recommended. Extremely well-regarded scheme and a market-leader in providing real experience to future Trainees in the legal profession.