Vacation Scheme Participant Review

The vacation scheme was enjoyable as I met many interesting people, worked on complex cases and enjoyed the many socials. It was a good balance of assessments and activities which enabled you to relax slightly and not be on edge the entire time.

I was pleasantly surprised at the level of responsibility I was given and understood that the work I was doing would be useful. As a relatively small firm I felt that I was part of a team, even just briefly.

My supervisors and mentors were very different but equally supportive and reassuring. Despite being very busy they took time to explain currents cases and their approach. Work from other associates also allowed me a breadth of work from international cases to local pro bono work.

As the two weeks were designed to replicate a mini training contract, the skills I developed would be directly applicable to my career. The information I received about the firm would help me to make a decision about what kind of firm best suits me as well as the most challenging but supportive atmosphere.

The talks in the mornings of the first week and then assessments in the second were well structured with plenty of socials in the evenings. The advisory lunch also encompassed the other departments allowing you to see every sector and how much they overlapped.

Everyone was very professional but also amicable and approachable. It was obvious everyone worked hard but was also positive and upbeat despite a previous late night. The general atmosphere was one of collaborative and collegiate ambition, aspiring to work together on the most innovative and unique deals.

Having both a supervisor and mentor meant you could tailor your question to the right person. The IT training at the beginning of the week was useful and the talks from the managing partner, current partners and associates showed that the firm were genuinely interested in developing your perception and experience of the firm.

Since we had quite a few socials it was generally difficult to stay late to finish work but it was possible to come in early. Apart from that and the other activities in the day it seemed similar to a trainees day. I would not expect so many lunches and dinners!

Moving departments was incredibly eye opening as you could directly compare the two departments, people and work. The underlying company culture was one of efficient, hard work to create the best solution. Everyone was respectful and friendly which meant they were approachable even with something that might have seemed like an ignorant question. The socials also showed a more personal side to the current trainees.

The interaction with current employees, level and quality of work and overview of the firm was very insightful especially when deciding the type of firm to work in.

I will be paid.

Yes, I went to both department drinks and the socials provided an opportunity to meet other employees from different departments.

They were frequent and fun.

Yes, I played netball for the firm. Everyone was very inclusive so added you into email threads about different opportunities.

Yes