Vacation Schemer Review

by Herbert Smith Freehills

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.1/5
  • About You
    4.0
  • The Company
    4.2
  • Everything Else
    4.3

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

    • The insight was very enjoyable, by showing me what life as a city lawyer might entail and included several social events, like going to a restaurant, bowling and drinks.

    4/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?

    • I felt valued, as my supervisor took care not to give me work for the sake of work, but found tasks which would actually contribute to ongoing cases. However, this meant I was sometimes left without things to do.

    4/5
  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?

    • Everyone was very helpful and took time to explain matters of law and the background to cases to me.

    4/5
  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • While it will not help my degree directly (as I am a non law student), I gained valuable information about law, which will no doubt be useful on the GDL and LPC.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?

    • The insight could have been better structured, e.g. giving us time earlier in the scheme to integrate with trainees (or we may only really talk to one or two who are our trainee buddies, rather than meeting a wide variety.)

    3/5
  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?

    • Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Even though it is a big firm, there is a collegiate atmosphere.

    5/5
  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • The firm gave us IT training about how to use the systems, as well as a negotiation workshop, which taught us about the Harvard model of negotiation, which was very informative.

    4/5
  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?

    • The scheme taught me what life might be like as a trainee at HSF, although at associate or partner level, it would be a completely different experience.

    5/5
  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?

    • The scheme showed me how inclusive and diverse HSF is, which I really appreciate.

    5/5
  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?

    • While I was already set on law, doing this scheme confirmed my choice.

    5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?

    • We were paid £350 (£335 after tax) per week.

  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?

    • There were drinks with partners, and a Networks fair, meeting representatives from the LGBT Network, Women Lawyers Network and others.

    4/5
  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?

    • Events like bowling were very fun and relaxed, away from the office. The trip to the restaurant was also only for vac schemers, so we could socialise without anyone from HSF there.

    5/5
  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?

    • There are sports teams and a choir. The firm also offers music lessons during work hours and a gym subsidy.

    4/5
  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?

    • It is a very useful scheme for finding out if this career, and firm, is for you.

    5/5
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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

July 2015

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