Vacation Scheme Review

by Simmons & Simmons LLP

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.3/5
  • About You
    4.3
  • The Company
    4.3
  • Everything Else
    4.3

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • As we were only there for a week, we had to pick things up quickly. Graduate recruitment made every effort to include a social aspect despite this - overall very enjoyable

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • Vac schemers were given tasks that would otherwise have been given to trainees - in other words 'real' work so we felt like we were doing something useful.

    5/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • Each vac schemer is assigned a supervisor and a trainee to provide work, answer any questions and help with first introductions to everyone in the department. Everyone gave time to answer any questions and explain new legal concepts

    5/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • The scheme's main advantage is providing a first-hand look at how a City law firm operates, which is invaluable when making career choices.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • There was a good balance between organised activities, networking sessions and time spent in the department right from the first day

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • Everyone was incredibly welcoming and grad rec organised a couple of events (including a virtual golf event in Soho) to ensure that we spent some time out of the office. The atmosphere amongst vac schemers was also good - there seemed to be no element of competitiveness, but perhaps this was because we were the first vac scheme of the year's intake

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • Our assigned trainees and supervisors made every effort to aid our development. Some IT training could have been helpful though to prevent mishaps with the online filing system

    4/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • Vac schemers took on work that is usually assigned to trainees; a great insight to what to expect on a training contract

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • We were assigned our own desks within the department and shared an office with a trainee, associate or partner who was already working there - this allowed us to see how various employees interact with each other and how teams are structured

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • I was lucky enough to be placed in my first choice of department, so I was able to confirm that it is an area of law in which I wish to specialise

    5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • Standard pay for a City vac scheme


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • We were able to meet partners at a networking brunch, associates and trainees at a 'speed networking' event, and we were introduced to everyone in our department on the first day

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • Two networking events and two social events in the week

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • I was able to spend some time on pro bono projects, and my supervisor explained about the sports opportunities

    3/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • An invaluable insight into the firm

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Intellectual Property Law

London

December 2013


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