Student Review

I enjoyed my 4 weeks at Simmons & Simmons very much - it was varied, interesting and fun!

The people I worked with were good at making me feel that my contributions were valued and helpful, and let me know when I had done a good job.

There was ample guidance and support available throughout my time at the firm, and many opportunities to ask questions both as part of a group or on an individual basis. Also the lawyers I worked with were very good at answering technical questions I had and gave me their time in explaining issues and concepts I was unfamiliar with.

The skills I developed and built upon during the scheme - in problem solving, communication, team working, general office etiquette and managing peoples' expectations - will be extremely valuable for later life.

It was a very well structured 4 weeks, with many scheduled activities and talks that all went to plan perfectly, and social events were well planned also. We were made aware at the beginning of everything that was happening during our time there, and sent daily reminders via Outlook too.

It was a great atmosphere - everyone I came across at the firm was friendly, supportive and encouraging - and the other interns were too so we all got along very well.

We were taught how to use Simmons & Simmons systems, including IT and the library, as well as given much information on the structure of the firm and life as a lawyer there, such as career development and secondment opportunities.

It was very valuable in this respect - I was given real work to do with deadlines and collaboration with others in the department - and allowed to sit in on client calls and department meetings.

The open, encouraging and down-to-earth culture at the firm was in much evidence during my time there - through the way we were dealt with as a group of interns, the way lawyers at the firm interacted with us on a social and business level, and through physically being in the office space.

It was extremely valuable in further confirming my ambition to train at the firm.

I was paid.

Yes, there were many opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the firm. This was done through networking brunches and breakfasts, presentations with opportunities to ask questions, and evening events. We were able to meet employees from many areas and levels at the firm.

They were really fun - different, interesting and enjoyable! They included power boating up the Thames and a trip on the London Eye.

There were pro bono opportunities, for example, available for some of the interns during the scheme, as well as an evening Softball event.

Yes, most definitely.