Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review

I found the internship fantastic, it gave a really great insight into the firm, the work was interesting, the people welcoming and the social aspect brilliant.

Feedback was given throughout the placement and it was obvious that real attention was being paid to how we found the experience and how we could improve our own performance.

I was amazed by the amount of time and effort that was given up by my supervisors to help mentor and advise me throughout my time at A&O. My trainers were open, honest and frank and I really valued this.

It varied to quite a great extent. I always had something to do but the extent to which I felt the work I was set was substantive and of importance varied. In terms of working hours, this too was changeable - occasionally I'd get out bang on time, and on other days I'd get out at 10pm.

As above, this varied - obviously given the nature of the work and an interns lack of experience there is a limit to the responsibility that you can be given. There were times when I was certainly given grunt work, this game in particular from the trainees, but on other occasions I felt that the work I was doing had a large impact on the final product.

I think that my experience at the firm certainly will help me if I am to do other law placements, its relevance to degree studies and so on is however limited given that I do not study law.

It was certainly not a 'fun' office, but given how focussed and dedicated the employees were the atmosphere was very positive and welcoming and there was no hint of a competitive or toxic atmosphere. That said, there is certainly high expectation and there will always be that individual who appears to take an active dislike to interns.

The organisation was fantastic, we had the opportunity to be properly introduced to all aspects of the firm, which was particularly useful given that there was only the opportunity to sit with two different departments. There were plenty of evening events, as well as networking opportunities and pro bono activity.

I thought the investment in terms of training and development as a whole was made by the entire experience and the opportunity you had to interact with trainees, associates and partners alike - in this regard the investment was large. That said, the level of formal training was not substantial but I imagine this is due to the relative brevity of the scheme compared to its equivalent in the banking and financial services industries.

I would love to receive an offer from A&O of permanent employment. On top of all I have previously mentioned, its location in Spitalfields Market is not to be forgotten. It's brilliant to be close enough to the city to feel a part of the corporate world and yet to have the vibrance of Brick Lane, Shoreditch and Hoxton on the back door. However, given the Magic Circle's commitment to the old SRA code I will not know whether or not I have a job offer until September of next year. This is the largest negative factor of the scheme

Yes, there were plenty of both informal and formal events throughout the placement to get to know both other Vac Scheme students and employees.

The cost of living is high, but this is to be expected in London. Socialising on official events was close to free as A&O were generous in their provision of food and drink. Going under your own steam is expensive but again, this is central London.

Amazing, but you'd expect nothing less

Plenty, A&O had sports teams from all different disciplines from badminton to sailing. However, given the brevity of the scheme no one was involved in this as far as I'm aware. Many people made use of the free gym though, and it was good that we were involved in a half-day of pro bono work outside the office as well. On top of this, there is a large focus on international secondements