Vacation Scheme Intern Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the firm. I worked with some fantastic people, and got involved in some really interesting work. I also appreciated the honesty of the scheme, as I feel like I was given a genuine insight into a number of aspects of life as a trainee - sometimes with the less glamorous and trickier aspects, but also with some really exciting work and experiencing live client matters.

I was particularly pleased that I almost always felt my work was an active part of the department's work, and did not feel like there was specific 'intern work' of a different level set aside for me.

The Graduate Recruitment Team have been very helpful in running information sessions and answering my questions about applying for a training contract. More informally, my trainee buddies and supervisors have been very willing to give feedback and more general career advice.

I was given the opportunity to practice some of my degree skills, which I very much enjoyed, but the scheme has also encouraged me to engage in the transactional side of commercial law and the business context in which I would be working - something I am sometimes reluctant to do, as I am naturally less comfortable with this aspect than others. Some extra experience has allowed me to build on some of my strengths, identify some weaknesses and have a bit more confidence to approach new tasks, which will be invaluable as I go into my final year of university and into a graduate career.

The scheme was certainly busy, but the events during the main portion of the scheme were well spaced out. Usually, it worked out as one or maybe two sessions per day, which I was generally able to work my other tasks around. I think having one extra day in the first seat was wise, as we lost more time towards the beginning with introductory sessions than in the second half of the scheme.

Very positive and very welcoming - people in both departments were friendly and I was quickly asked to work with a number of people in each team. One of the most useful parts of the scheme was the series of lunchtime training sessions I went to during my first seat. I was so impressed by the number of people from all ranks of the department who attended and seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the presentation. As I was new to the firm, I clearly had the most to learn in the room, but I didn't feel like I was singled out or lagging behind the discussion in any way. I have also really appreciated the way that the other trainees we have met through sessions or evening activities have made an effort to talk to us and ask after our progress if we see them around the office.

I was encouraged by the Graduate Recruitment Team's positive attitude towards the interns. I certainly felt nervous about being under constant scrutiny or a harsh environment, but the Team seemed honestly hopeful that we would be good training contract candidates and enthusiastic about helping us to achieve that goal.

Three weeks is relatively short, and I think our involvement with Graduate Recruitment sessions and evening events influenced the kind of schedule we had. That said, I was given a very broad range of tasks for a number of different people, and so I feel like I was exposed to the variety of work I would be doing if I were a trainee.

See above, although general culture came across more strongly in my colleagues' attitude and some of the Graduate Recruitment sessions.

Very helpful - I have been surprised by some of the things I have enjoyed, and am now beginning to think differently about a career in commercial law. I am also more open-minded to the potential that other departments in the firm have, which I perhaps had not really considered before. As mentioned, the content has also encouraged me to explore the wider commercial context with a bit more confidence.

I think some firms pay slightly more per week, but the current rate was suitable. That said, I was not paying for accommodation, and so I wonder whether I might have managed as well if I were renting somewhere in London for the three week period.

Events like Speed Networking and the Partners' Brunch were a good way of meeting people I otherwise wouldn't have had contact with at the firm.

There were plenty of them, and I feel like there was a good variety of activities involved and a range of people attending each - some more formal and informative events, and some to enjoy and spend time getting to know colleagues and fellow interns.

Some, but it was mostly informal and I would have liked to have known a bit more.

Yes - it has been a great opportunity to learn and better inform my career choices, and I would definitely recommend that those thinking about a career in commercial law apply for a place on the scheme.