Vacation Scheme Student Review

The overall scheme is really enjoyable and very well organised by the team, with a great mix of social events and training around the time in departments.

Everyone was really welcoming and I never felt out of place or uncomfortable.

The trainees were great at providing support and advice over work and the firm in general.

The scheme has undoubtedly helped in my decision about my career although it has also raised more questions in depth.

There is a good mix between training, presentations and time in the departments. The first two weeks are better in terms of being able to do substantial work however a third week in a different department is good for an overview of a different aspect of the firm.

Really positive, the intake have been very sociable and got along really well which has meant that morning talks and lunches in the restaurant have been good social occasions.

The first day contained a lot of training of the relevant systems and we were invited to departmental lunches. It is also clear that there is a lot of training when you start as a trainee as well as presentations through the LPC.

A vacation scheme is without a doubt the best way to understand life as a trainee! The main work providers on the vac scheme have been trainees and I have really had a chance to see what the day to day tasks involve, both with client matters and the additional pro bono work that trainees undertake.

Events with varying members of the firm, from trainees through to the management committee, ensured that it was possible to ask questions and understand the culture of the firm.

The structure of the scheme and the variety of activities are all very helpful and constructive. There are regular departmental talks designed to help give an overview to the options as a trainee and I certainly found that these highlighted practices I had not previously thought about choosing.

All vac schemers are paid weekly which helps very much with London living costs, particularly as a lot of students are not from the local area.

There were lots of events and lunches held to enable networking and to gain exposure to lots of people around the office.

Really good fun, very well organised. There is one social per week (two on the last week) and these are attended by a range of grad rec, trainees and other members of the team.

There are sports teams which vac schemers can get involved with, and there is also a lot of pro bono work which can be done regardless of your position within the firm once a member.

I would definitely recommend the vacation scheme to a friend if they were seriously considering a career in commercial law. Although the process is very tough for selection, the scheme is designed to help you make a clear decision whether the environment is the one youn want to work in. I have had a brilliant time and would definitely encourage my friends to apply.