Vacation Scheme Review

The winter vacation scheme is very intense in the best possible way. Although exhausted when it's over there is a great pride in what you have achieved and what you have overcome. The social events are great and the client pitch exercise is a great way to really get to know some of the other vacation scheme students.

Graduate recruitment make a big effort to learn your names and talk to you individually. My trainer was very attentive and at no point did I ever feel that I was in anybody's way or a hindrance.

There is as much guidance as you want; some need more than others. My trainer was very laid-back which made it very easy to ask for help if I needed it.

With regards to the skills- organisation is a key one which the scheme helps you develop. You have to juggle so many things at one point- this is going to be hugely beneficial at university. Moreover given that much of the time is spent talking to people- whether that be your trainer, partners or other students- your communication skills really develop. As does your confidence!

Extremely well- grad recruitment do an unbelievable job with this. The structure is ideal.

This is probably the best aspect of the firm. Every single person I met, from senior partners, to HR and support staff were nothing but welcoming. The atmosphere and culture really are great assets to the firm.

We received help with applications, as well as regular feedback on pieces of work. The firm did their best to show us the range of things on offer at the firm- and there were many opportunities to see even the most senior of people.

It was a fantastic indicator of working here- people are very honest and you do get a real opportunity to immerse yourself, as much as you want to, in the work and the firm.

The collegiate culture is evident throughout the firm and this experience just served to highlight this.

You do real work, perhaps not far off that which a trainee might do. In this sense you were essentially doing the job and thus could decide whether it was right for you.

I was paid

Yes- many opportunities- and you could do as much or as little of this as you wanted. Really the whole scheme was ideal for meeting people.

Social events were great- great ways to meet other people in a more relaxed setting. The meal at the gherkin and the night out afterwards were a highlight for me.

Yes we had talks on pro bono work as well as all aspects of training at A&O.

Not only would I recommend this insight, but I would recommend getting any experience with A&O that you can- whether that be at Open days, vacation schemes or even law fairs.