Summer Associate Review

Very much so. Both the work and the activities were interesting and informative. In the office, not only the trainees but all the lawyers speak to you and explain to you what they're doing. As for the activities, the trainees who accompany you are interested, engaging and fun. The whole experience immerses you in RPC's culture, thereby offering a clear impression of what working for the firm might be like - and, in my case, that impression was excellent.

In general, one feels fairly close to the centre of the firm's attention. The summer students' programme is well-structured and detailed: the firm does not leave them idle. Because all the people in the firm are approachable, it is easy to relieve any boredom by asking for work or to sit in on meetings.

A good deal. The most difficult technical obstacle was the IT system, but on Day 1 the firm guided us through the important features, with which we became familiar soon after starting work.. As for the work itself, the lawyers were helpful in their advice. They explained solutions intelligibly. Everyone was (and said that they were) open to answeirng questions from the summer students.

Hopefully to a large extent. The scheme sharpened my attention to detail, especially when reading legal documents. It also improved my skills as a communicator, since one had to practise discussing intellectually difficult matters. Thanks to the firm's provision of detailed information about its training contract, I now feel able to make a well-informed decision whether to work for the firm.

Very well. We were sent programmes the week before the start of the scheme, so we knew roughly what would happen. The first day was intense, because of the high volume of information; but there was time in that afternoon to work in the departments. Socials were about right in number, there being four over the two weeks: one had time to rest. The assessment day was also well-organised. The firm kept to its timetable, and made the process as efficient as possible.

Encouraging. The lawyers and HR staff wanted us to perform well and to enjoy the experience. We came to understand that the work would be challenging but rewarding. The trainees welcomed our presence and spoke to us often. At times the offices were quiet, but, by way of compensation, the busy periods were never far away.

Reasonably well. There were helpful sessions on branding, business structures and technology. Moreover, the exercises made us focus on our team-playing skills, and the firm gave us time and space in which to hone them. The one area for improvement is that there were few sessions on legal skills: most of the information related to HR. Thanks, however, to the support of lawyers on the floors, the office-work compensated for this mismatch.

To a large extent. One spent a good deal of time in the departments, sitting next to full-time lawyers. They shared their thoughts and experiences and seemed honest in their descriptions of the advantages and disadvantages of working for the firm. They also exhibited the variety of the firm's work: they invited me not only to read documents but also to minute meetings and visit court.

To a great extent. The firm stresses that its culture - which favours a healthy work-life balance - differs significantly from those of most other firms, and during the scheme it continued to emphasise this difference. Indeed, the group business project concentrated on improving the firm's culture from its unorthodox starting point. The trainees, moreover, shared their thoughts on the culture.

Very. It gave a clear view of the work of a City soicitor, revealing both the benefits and the drawbacks.

Payment was reasonable, and the firm paid for our lunches (which were very good).

Plenty. The firm organised a networking lunch and a speed-networking session. One was able to meet a good many lawyers from all levels, and to discuss their experiences of life at the firm.

On the networking side, the sessions were useful. The lawyers were informative and were honest in their views: and they were interested in the success of the summer students. As for social events, these were excellent. They included a tour of the City, a night-out with the other scheme students and a bowling session with the trainees. These were ideal opportunities for bonding with the other students and with the trainees.

Yes. The firm advertised its extra-curricular activities well. These ranged from sporting societies to musical events, and there were also health activities such as massages. Employees told us that they participated in these and enjoyed them.

Definitely. RPC make its students feel welcome, and do their best to introduce aspiring lawyers to the firm and its culture. The work tasks are fascinating and the group events engaging.