RPC Vacation Scheme Review

A lot!!! RPC puts a lot of emphasis on the branding aspect - unlike most political parties, RPC actually stick to the rip up the rule book manifesto. This results in a really collaborative feel with the whole firm, it isn't intimidating to talk to anyone however senior they are! With regards to the trainees - they hire recruits for the training contract based on their personality as well as their aptitude. The 1st and 2nd year trainees all had bags of character and it was really fun to spend time with them and talk to them about life in and out of the firm. During the vacation scheme there are a few social events, in the middle of the first week we went to clue quest with the trainees (where you're locking in a room for about an hour and have to solve puzzles to get out) followed by dinner and drinks. On Friday we had a tour around the Lloyds Insurance building on Lime Street (fascinating place), again this was followed by drinks for everyone on the vacation scheme to get to know each other better. The following week has a dinner with the trainees - which invariably ends up at a variety of London establishments and learning how to hold a hangover in the office with grace. Some would say more importantly, the work itself was really interesting, challenging and your supervisors are willing to give you loads of responsibility, even if you've never read a legal case in your life! I had the opportunity to visit a case management conference for a high profile case which I had read about in the news and gather information for a press release about cyber crime in the retail industry! Overall, the combination of great people, interesting work and fantastic socials made for a really enjoyable fortnight!

Coming from a completely non-law background, I was unable to offer some of the insight that I could after a law conversion. However, there are still really interesting jobs that I could contribute to - it was really rewarding to write a summary on a relevant case and then get the legal facts correct and complimented on the work. I really enjoyed helping prepare a bundle for the CMC containing the correspondance between us and the other party as it meant that I could read through the whole case. My supervisor in MIPTOC gave me a research task to find out about the potential for filing for an estopple, I liked analysing the cases and knowing that I was finding useful information to give to the client. Also, one of the tasks was to do a presentation about a business proposal for the firm - I felt highly valued when I was telling a panel of partners how their firm could make savings of £250,000 a year!

There was always someone I could ask for help - the open plan office means that you are in ear shot of partners, associates and trainees, and for even the slightly query anyone is very happy to help (provided they're not knee deep in litigation). Members of the team would just come up to my desk and chat, so it was invaluable for asking questions and building a rapport with lots of people within the firm.

In 2 weeks, I came from having never done any law in my life to understanding some of the jargon, reading loads of cases and the most important was the first hand experience that taught me the skills I need to develop to excel at some of the work that the trainees do in the firm. The information will be invaluable for a future in law and out of that information, the most useful has been from friendly chats with trainees, partners, HR and fellow vac schemers.

There was a really good balance between time in the departments, other activities and socials. It was very clear what you had to do and where you had to be.

Loved it - everyone both in the group and who I met in the firm were easy to get on with, fun, intelligent and interesting. There is a lot of emphasis on the culture of the firm - the manifesto says it pretty well!

Any questions and someone would go over them with a fine tooth comb to make sure you understand the principles.

As well as possible in 2 weeks - this was mainly self directed when making friends with employees who gave a really good insight.

The culture is a highly emphasised theme throughtout the scheme.

Highly.

£275 per week + £50 on a keycard to get food from the cafe during the vacation scheme (the cafe is delicious)

Yes, there was a speed networking event and a networking lunch. And of course all the time on the floors.

Fantastic as mentioned.

Yes.

Yes.