Vacation Scheme Student Review

Really enjoyable 3 weeks. The scheme was well structured, all employees I had contact with were extremely helpful and I was involved with a range of interesting work.

- Everyone at the firm was extremely willing to take time out of their day to give me interesting work and answer any questions I had - A wide range of people came to the socials and ran different sessions and I really appreciated the amount of time and planning that had obviously gone into the scheme

- We had a trainee buddy in each department who was able to answer any questions we might have - We also had a supervisor (either an associate or partner) in each department - In general, there was a very good support system, and everyone was more than willing to take time out of their days to answer questions

- Over the 3 weeks we had a number of workshops and talks which definitely helped to improve key skills necessary to be a commercial lawyer - The contracts and drafting session was really useful, as well as the negotiation competition as these are 2 skills which a commercial lawyer will use on a daily basis - We had a speed networking session which enabled us to meet lawyers from a range of departments and to find out what they did on a day to day basis.

- Extremely well structured scheme - Got the opportunity to sit in 2 different departments - Good mix of social events, workshops and informative talks - Given a detailed timetable before we arrived which was really useful - Received a yearbook at the end of the scheme with pictures and profiles of all the other vacation scheme students which was a really nice touch

- The general atmosphere of the firm was very good. Everyone was very friendly and the open door culture was very apparent - The socials were a good opportunity to get to know the other vacation scheme students, as well as to ask any questions in a less formal setting - Overall, I really enjoyed my time on the scheme and would definitely recommend other students to apply.

- The firm invested a lot in personal training and development. There were a range of workshops designed to develop key skills such as presentation skills and negotiations

- Having the opportunity to sit in 2 departments meant we were able to see different aspects of the firm - The work we did was described as 'typical' trainee work and therefore was representative of what life as a trainee lawyer at Simmons & Simmons would be like

- I was able to experience the culture of the firm on a first hand basis. The was a collegiate atmosphere and an open door policy. Everyone, from trainees up to partners, was willing to explain aspects of their work to you, and I was particularly impressed by the levels of feedback I was given on individual pieces of work

- The content was extremely useful in reiterating my desire to follow this career route - The good mix of workshops, socials and time in departments meant that I learnt a lot about a career in commercial law, and more specifically, at Simmons & Simmons over the 3 weeks

- We were paid on a weekly basis

- Good range of opportunities to meet people from the firm - from drinks receptions to the partners brunch - The speed networking was a great opportunity to talk to employees from a range of departments which we had not sat in

- Good mix of social opportunities from drinks receptions to speed boating on the Thames to a Champagne Reception on the London Eye - Socials were a great opportunity for the Vacation Scheme students to get to know each other and employees from Simmons & Simmons, as well as to ask any question in a more informal setting

- We were told about the numerous extra curricular opportunities, including sports and Pro Bono - Got involved with this when we played a softball game with the Simmons & Simmons team

- Would definitely recommend the insight to a friend - was an extremely informative and enjoyable 3 weeks. Was able to gain a real insight into life as a commercial lawyer, as well as what it is like to work at Simmons & Simmons. There was a really good mix of socials, networking and workshops.