Vacation Placement Student Review

The vacation placement was enjoyable because it gave an insight into what working at a city law firm was like. The placement involved a range of engaging activities, which allowed you to gain an in depth understanding of the type of work associated with the Firm whilst getting to know the employees.

The trainee I was placed with was extremely encouraging particularly when I was completing work they had set, and offered useful feedback throughout the week. Other trainee’s, solicitors and partners were always interested in what I was working on, which made me feel very welcome.

The events that took place during the week provided the opportunity to meet the Firms management, which was useful because it was possible to ask questions you might not otherwise have been able to ask if they were at their desk. The solicitors and partners were very approachable and prepared to discuss and answer any questions, both specific and general.

The range of tasks set throughout the week allowed me to develop time-management skills, and experience what a trainee’s workload is like. The trainee I was assigned to often gave me work to complete, such as drafting emails to client, which I had to quickly learn to prioritise over other research tasks I had been set to complete throughout the week.

The level of responsibility I was given was significantly more than I had experienced in any other work experience placements. Drafting emails to clients often required that I be particularly meticulous, although it was reassuring to know that my assigned trainee would read through what I had written before sending it out. Drafting contracts afforded me the most responsibility as a document I drafted was sent to be printed before the trainee read it.

I developed existing skills of time-management, organization and confidence during my placement due to the nature of the activities I was set to complete throughout the week. The training I received by the College of Law on drafting techniques has been useful in my final year at University. Overall, the placement has provided me with an insight into how law works in practice, which has given me a renewed ambition to succeed in my studies.

The open plan office was often a lively and entertaining place to work, which was conducive to achieving the sometimes difficult goals set. There was however a mutual respect that everyone was to perform to the best of their ability each day to guarantee successes in each department.

The vacation scheme was very well organized as it offered a balance between gaining an understanding of the type of work a trainee is expected to complete and taking part in social events that provided me with the opportunity to meet the trainee’s and solicitors in a relaxed environment.

During the time I spent at the firm, I felt that due to the small number of students on a placement that week, the employee’s viewed me as a potential trainee, and were prepared to take the time to answer questions and give guidance. An afternoon organized by the College of Law was an invaluable experience and has prepared me in advance in relation to what to expect for the LPC+.

The Firm provided me with a fantastic experience during my Vacation Placement. The application process and the Placement reflected the true nature of the Firm. I was very happy to receive an offer, which I have accepted and look forward to training with the firm in the future.

Although we were all essentially competing, the other placement students were extremely sociable and I enjoyed getting to know and spending time both in and out of the office during the week. We spent a lot of time together, felt comfortable in sharing our experiences in the Firm, and have stayed in touch.

The cost of living was particularly high as the placement was in the center of Birmingham. I chose to commute, which proved to be quite expensive as well. However, the placement was only a week and well-worth the costs.

The city provided a range of different opportunities for socializing. We were able to wine-and-dine with the trainees one night and go to a bar very close by another night. Birmingham has a well-known club-scene too.

As well as organized activities that took place outside of work, the trainee’s often organized impromptu evenings out, which we were invited to. It was great to feel like part of the time, and get involved.