Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review

I took part in a 2 week vacation scheme with the firm. I really enjoyed getting to know the culture of firm and the type of work it does. There was a mixture of fun social events and challenging work tasks aimed at really showing the life of a trainee at a City law firm.

I felt absolutely valued. After every task completed I received an email in thanks and lawyers really made me feel as if my contribution to the work was important and mattered.

I received a trainee buddy as well as supervisors in each seat who gave honest advice and even took me out for coffee and lunches. When it came to the work, it was contextualised and well explained, with clear steps for it completion. I felt comfortable in approaching any lawyer with any question no matter how simple.

I learnt how to skim read, effectively network and build up relationships. These skills are crucial to any career especially commercial law and I even got to learn more about a module I will be taking in the next academic year. No doubt very useful.

The vacation scheme was jam packed with events ranging from training sessions, skill workshops and social events. All well organised, there was never a dull moment.

Nice, friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It was a realistic impression of daily life at the firm. Every department felt like a community with things like cake being brought in for everyone to share.

The firm had numerous skill sessions aimed at developing key skills needed for a lawyer e.g. negotiation skills and presentation skills. Through this I feel the firm has significantly invested in us. In particular a world class specialist even came to deliver a session on cultural awareness and how to implement it, spending that much effort shows they have really invested in us.

Everyone was really honest about the highs and lows of a full time role, this allowed me to have a well rounded, informed view of a role within the firm. Many other companies tend to shy away from the negative aspects but I really liked knowing everything and it has helped to confirm my career path.

Although you can read about a company's culture, you can never get a real insight until visiting the firm. 2 weeks was a great duration of time to really submerge myself within the firm and through this I got a really good look into the firm's culture and how friendly it is.

I got to do trainee tasks and see every side of the work the firm does. I also got to see the social side and this has given me all the information I need to confirm that I have picked the right career path.

I was paid a good salary for the duration, although as I live in London I did not have accommodation expenses. Nevertheless it would adequately cover them

There were a lot! From formal scheduled events to just knocking on people's doors and people introducing themselves in the staff kitchen. I met a whole host of people throughout the two weeks, all very friendly.

The social events were great, my favourite was going bowling and having dinner after with trainees. We got to relax and speak to lawyers on an informal basis.

I found out about the numerous activities lawyers could get involved with ranging from; softball to football to running even pro bono work.

I would definitely recommend it!