Vacation Scheme Student Review

The scheme was very enjoyable as it allowed me to get involved in the usual tasks undertaken by a trainee which is an amazing opportunity to learn about life as a lawyer. There was also a good amount of social events which allowed me to meet people in different practice areas across the firm. This was an invaluable opportunity to learn about how the work undertaken in each area differed.

I completed taks that were actually used in the different projects going within the firm which is great.

I had a trainee buddy in addition to a supervisor who was an associate in each department that I was in. They were all happy to answer any questions that I had and explained all the tasks that I needed to do in detail.

This was a great way to experience the culture of Reed Smith in reality which is crucial to being able to understand what life would be like working within the firm.

We all recieved a detailed timetable on the different sessions we would partake in throughout the scheme on the first day. These sessions were set out well and allowed us to still be in the different departments for a suitable amount of time also.

Everyone at the firm was approachable and friendly. I was able to walk into anyone's office and ask questions about the things they were doing.

There were lots of sessions on the development of skills necessary for working as a lawyer including a negotiation exercise and presentation skills workshop.

This was the best way of understanding the culture of the firm as you are really able to see the way that everyone interacts with eachother in reality. The culture at Reed Smith is fantastic.

Undertaking the work in the various departments helped to strengthen my interest in being a corporate solicitor.

There are lots of opportunities for meeting people. Being in the department meant it was very easy to walk around and meet many of the people working there and this was encouraged. In addition, there were welcome drinks and other informal social events throughout the scheme that allowed for more opportunities to interact with people.

The social events included bowling and cocktail making which were both very fun. It was a nice and relaxed way of getting to know the lawyers at Reed Smith.

I learnt a lot about the pro-bono activities at the firm which everyone is encouraged to get involved in. In addition, there were a number of sporting activities also such as softball.