Summer Scheme Student Review

The two week scheme was testing, but a strong effort was made to ensure the candidates were provided with full programme of events and social activities, making for an enjoyable placement.

The current Trainees made an effort to pass on as much 'real' work as possible to the students, and also to eat with them at lunchtimes and socialise after office hours.

The HR team running the placement organised a full schedule of talks and networking opportunities in order to help us integrate with the firm, with the first day particularly full of introductions from a range of lawyers through to support staff.

A large extent, the insight as to how a firm like RPC operates will help in a future legal career.

Excellent, on top of the aforementioned talks a detailed timetable was provided. Each day was broken down into time in departments and time on other activities such as a 'Business Project'. This was not an inflexible barrier however, candidates could for example go on an unscheduled 'court run' with a clerk, and visit the RCJ and commercial courts.

There was a focussed, professional atmosphere as one might expect of a city law firm, but every member of the departments were approachable and friendly, welcoming questions.

A real effort was made to ensure we take something away from the scheme. A lot of time by many people was put in to organising the placement, both before and during it, and contact was maintained afterwards.

We were given real work (obviously low level things given our experience level) to do, and this was discussed with us by the Trainees or Associates who provided it in order to help us improve, and give us a feel of life at RPC.

There were several presentations on this, about the firm's direction and it's place in the market. There were further talks on main practice areas from Partners. Additionally, everyone made an effort to engage with the candidates. The combined effect was one of a thorough understanding of the goals and attitudes of the firm.

I am certain as to my next step following my two weeks there.

The pay we received just covered my travel and accommodation expenses to and in London.

As previously said, this was scheduled in as part of the scheme.

There was a 'mixology' cocktail making class on the second evening (perfectly timed to allow us to meet our other candidates and the Trainees in a more relaxed setting early on in the scheme). We also had an evening out for just the candidates, with a drinks budget from the firm. Towards the end of our time there there was a meal for everyone at a curry house, followed by drinks. They were all very good.

We were told of the CSR opportunities the firm takes part in, and the Trainees discussed their experiences.

A very friendly and welcoming firm, highly respected in the industry, and growing at a very impressive rate - with a vacation scheme to complement it. The Business Project in particular helped the candidates to get to know each other, and got us thinking about the firm in different ways. An excellent two weeks.