First Year Insight Day Review

Very much. I thought the event was both useful and enjoyable. There were enough breaks, but the best part was just how intimidating the whole day was - even the business game! From the lights going off to the business game, it was a unique event, even among law firms.

Sarah Harte was very willing to tell us everything about the firm, both during presentations and informal chats. She made it very personal and informal enough to be more friendly and welcoming than intimidating and mechanical.

Plenty. Clara (our trainee assessor) gave us some tips along the way during our business game. The partners assessing our presentation assessed our abilities to think on our feet. The networking lunch could have done with some structure though.

The business game was extremely useful in understanding the fundamental difference between a law degree and a career in law. Apart from that, the networking skills and insight into the lives of various employees at a law firm was extremely interesting as well, to understand the structure of the firm and the hierarchy (or lack thereof).

It could have been better. The talks overlapped a bit so it sometimes felt like we were getting the same information more than once. Perhaps for the next event, each presenter could have a distinct topic, so that all the information is new and useful.

Very fun. Everyone was really sociable, from other attendees to the firm representatives. Even the partners assessing the business game were kind and un-intimidating. It was a pleasant surprise.

The business game developed our commercial awareness, as well as giving us an insight into the work that a lawyer does and how a lawyer should be thinking. The advice and tips on the application process will (hopefully) go a long way in helping our applications stand out which, in today's competitive market, cannot be overstated.

Apart from talking to the trainees about their lives, there wasn't too much information on what a full time role is like. While I don't expect to be treated like a vac schemer on an insight day, some other firms do give first year attendees a trainee buddy to shadow for the day, which is more insightful than simply talking to the trainees.

The event showed me what the people are like and gave me the chance to ask them about their experiences in the firm. The interaction with the partners also proved that their culture and reputation for being friendly really isn't all just smoke.

The trainees all gave very positive impressions, both about their role in the firm as well as a career in the legal industry. Certainly made it seem more attractive and attainable.

I was reimbursed expenses.

Absolutely. We met trainees, grad rec team, and partners. The partners were a nice surprise. It's very kind of them to take time out of their schedules to interact with some first year students.

Great. The lunch, the business game and the drinks after. I definitely felt that there was ample opportunity to network. The ratio of attendees to firm representatives wasn't too extreme either. I hate feeling like a predator when it comes time to network.

Absolutely, although I had to ask Sarah about this outside of the presentation, during an informal chat. I'm sure everyone else would have loved to hear about the sports, pro bono, and social events that the firm hosts though.

Without a doubt. TW is one of the friendliest firms I've visited and it's nice to be able to confirm the hearsay about them. I also made loads of friends studying at other universities so it's a good networking opportunity to get to know the firm as well as other, like-minded peers.