Summer Clerk Review

Very enjoyable

Very valued, it was clear that a lot of preparation had gone into the arrangements, social events and departmental talks.

Lots of guidance and support - the solicitors, trainees, HR and office staff were always willing, available and able to answer any questions I had, either informally over coffee, in the department talks or simply questions I had about the work I had been set.

I learned many valuable skills, not only into the particular areas of law in which I worked, but also the work life and social life of a private client solicitor, which I found particularly helpful.

We were provided with a timetable at the start so we were aware of all the meetings and times we were expected to work against.

Everyone was really friendly and welcoming! There were a couple of social events arranged which were enjoyable, and welcome and farewell meetings.

We were allowed to sit in any department we chose, and notwithstanding were allowed to shadow people in other departments for a couple of hours, such as visiting court. The firm gave talks on all the departments so we were aware of what different practice areas were on offer, aside from the departments we were in.

I got to see everything from the work trainees do, up to partnership level in both litigious and transactional departments.

The culture is as the firm say it is - welcoming and friendly.

It pointed me in the direction that I wished to go because it gave such a helpful insight into the life of a private client solicitor.

The information is on the website.

There were a few social events, perhaps more organised lunches with the trainees or partners (as on some other schemes) wouldn't have gone amiss, but it was an open-door firm so you could arrange your own networking if you needed it.

They were enjoyable, and very informal. Helpful introduction to the social side of the firm.

Yes, the team were arranging netball meetings, but I am not sure of anything outside that one team. Perhaps more information could have been given in this regard, but the trainees would have been happy to answer any questions if I had asked this.

It was very enjoyable, perhaps a little quieter in some departments than others, but this can be expected during the quieter summer months. The mock pitch and research tasks certainly enabled me to pass the time when it was more quiet.