Vacation Scheme Student Review

The experience was really enjoyable. From the start all staff were friendly and welcoming. Everyone has been approachable (and the social was good too!).

Compared to other vacation schemes, I feel the work was most valued. We were not set 'tasks' that did not contibute to the firm. All work undertaken was relevent and I felt, to some extent, it was all used.

I was allocated a trainee buddy and supervisor. They were always willing to take time out of their schedule to give guidance and support. In addition, all the other members of the team made the effort to chat, introduce themselves, and pass work over when they had it.

Throughout the placement I undertook legal research, wrote letters and emails of advice, analysed agreements, and drafted letters to third parties. Feedback was given at all stages which I found invaluble going forward.

The week was well structured. A good mix of socials / assessments / time in the department.

The atmosphere is a lot more friendly and relaxed than other firms. To me, this results in a productive environment where people are willing to approach each other to discuss matters they are unsure of.

The people at the firm were always willing to invest time to explain concepts to you and offer advice. There was little by means of formal training, but I would not expect this in a weeks placement.

We were given the same sorts of tasks as trainee solicitors. Whilst only limited understanding can be gained in a week, it gave me a good insight into what life is like at the firm.

Vacation Scheme students join a specic team in a specific department for the week. This is invaluable for those who want to gain in insight into the real culture of the firm, and not just what it says on the website. For the record, I certainly found the culture at Walker Morris was for me.

Payment was very slightly lower than other firms (by about £50), but adequate.

During the week there was one social which was well attended by trainees - on a night out you certainly find out about the true culture of the firm (in this case it was all very positive!). Other than this, there were limited opportunities for networking outside my department. I think it would not be possible to hold a firmwide networking event for logistical reasons as the placement only lasted for one week.

The social event was really well run. The firm obviously invested a good budget into ensuring all the vacation scheme students had a good time. The trainees embraced the social event.

I know there are lots of out of work oppotunities for members of the firm. However, I didn't learn much about them during the placement. Again this is probably due to the limited legnth of the vacatoin scheme.

I would 100% reccomend it. The scheme was great. If anyone is looking for a training contract at a commercial firm in Leeds, Walker Morris is certainly somewhere you should be considering.