Winter Vacation Scheme

Role Description

About You

1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

My week at Ashurst gave me a fantastic insight into the life and work of an International lawyer. Sitting in the Dispute Resolution department, I was exposed to actual work, which enabled me to draw upon the skills I have learnt throughout my undergraduate degree. It was a priceless opportunity, and one which I thoroughly recommend to anyone interested in pursuing a International legal career.

5/5

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2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?

I was introduced to everyone I came across throughout my vacation scheme. From Senior Partners through to current trainees, everyone was very warm and welcoming. In particular, my supervisor, who ensured I felt comfortable at all times. He allowed me to participate in client calls, and kept me occupied throughout the vacation scheme.

5/5

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3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?

I was given an immense amount of support, from both my supervisor, his secretary and trainees within my department. They happily answered all of my questions and guided me when needed. The HR team were fantastic, They kept in constant contact throughout the vacation scheme, ensuring we all gained the most out of the opportunity.

5/5

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4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

Experiencing first hand the quality of work carried out by an elite International law firm has helped me in my final year of study. I have been able to take a practical legal stance, rather than a theoretical stance when undertaking commercial law modules. My ability to network and socialise with industry experts has increased, which has resulted in an increase in confidence. Furthermore, having carried out in-depth research for a particular client throughout my vacation scheme, I have been able to apply the same skills whilst completing my final year assignments.

5/5

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The Company

5. How well structured was the insight?

The HR team at Ashurst could not have been more clinical with their structuring of the vacation scheme. It was impeccably constructed and ensured all the vacation scheme students had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with each other, with the trainees and numerous partners. The social activities were inclusive for everyone. The highlight being a three-course-meal at the Shangri-La, located on the 52nd floor of the Shard.

5/5

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6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?

Positive, friendly and genuinely welcoming. Never a dull moment, and the collegiate atmosphere of the firm really shone through.

5/5

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7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

I have been offered and have accepted a Training Contract at Ashurst. Therefore the firm will fund my LPC and will also contribute towards my living expenses whilst undertaking the Legal Practice Course.

5/5

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8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?

The exposure to what is required when working for an elite global law firm was second to none. My supervisor ensured I was given relevant work, which motivated me to work exceptionally hard. Having the opportunity to sit and observe how international lawyers liaise with clients was a great experience. All this gave me an insight to the reality of working in a elite international law firm.

5/5

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9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?

Ashurst's collegiate culture shone through the minute I walked through the door. A firm which is amongst the global elite for its work, yet has a warm, friendly and welcoming culture. The vacation scheme gave me the opportunity to view the firm up close and personal. I found everyone in the firm to be exceptionally welcoming, yet hard working and passionate about the work they carry out.

5/5

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10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?

Having researched the firm thoroughly prior to the start my vacation scheme, the week at Ashurst help reinforce what I already knew. The activities planned by the HR team, along with the high quality of work given to me by my supervisor cemented my career path. I wanted to see whether the firm genuinely had a collegiate culture, and Ashurst proved this beyond reasonable doubt.

5/5

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Everything Else

11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?

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12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?

We had numerous opportunities to network with Partners, senior associates through to trainees. The exposure was fantastic, and the partners were very insightful and welcoming. The trainees were exceptionally helpful and maintained contact throughout the vacation scheme.

5/5

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13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?

Everyday consisted of a different networking event. From a partner panel question and answer session through to lunch with the trainees, the exposure to employees of the firm was brilliant.

5/5

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14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?

Upon arrival we were given a booklet which consisted of all the opportunities available outside work. This included sports teams, social clubs and much more.

5/5

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15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?

Absolutely. The vacation scheme was a fantastic experience, and I would recommend anyone wanting to pursue a career in International Law to experience the same.

5/5

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