Vacation Scheme Student Review

I enjoyed it a lot. There was interesting work to be done in both departments, and it was all coupled with a good amount of group exercises and social activities.

To those whom I was doing work for I was made to feel like I was actually being a big help to them - particularly helping out with the scheduling in real estate.

A lot of guidance was available. My supervisors were both very happy to answer questions I had about the work I had been set. Similarly, the graduate recruitment team and my trainee buddy were willing to answer any questions I had about the firm in general.

I have already studied property law and I am not studying maritime law, so the knowledge gained will not be that relevant. However, the soft skills like team work and communication will be helpful for life in general.

Very well structured. There was always work available and we were given a time table for the two week placement on the first day, allowing us to know when things were happening.

Atmosphere was good. the People at Reed Smith were lovely on the whole, and the other vac schemers were all very nice. There was never an oppressive feeling of being worked too much of being expected to stay late etc - everyone was very laid back.

I don't think that was the point of the scheme. The way it was set out was more to give the vac schemer's a feel for the kind of work that the firm do; how different roles are structured, and the things that you would be expected to do as a trainee at the firm. Having said that, exercises like the mock employment tribunal and the negotiation exercise did help to develop skills like team work and communication, being articulate etc.

As I said above, the point of the scheme was to show you what kind of work the trainees, associates and partners do at the firm, and from what I saw I feel I got a good understanding of the different things I would be expected to do in a full time role.

A lot. On the first day we were given various talks introducing us to the firm and explaining the different departments, the core values of the firm etc. Working within the departments allowed us to see this in practice - Reed Smith do value diversity; integrity; hard work; and everyone seems friendly.

Very. I came in to this off the back of two other vac schemes, but it added to the experience of what it would be like to work as a lawyer in the city.

I was paid £350 per week (I think - I haven't been paid yet)

There weren't really organised opportunities, but we were all free to contact anyone within the firm and ask them questions, arrange to meet up with them etc.

Very good. It was nice to speak to trainees away from the office and just relax without the feeling that you are being constantly assessed.

Yes, I spoke to the trainees on the first day to ask them what sort of activities the firm organise outside of work - from football and cricket matches, to anything to do with CSR.

Yes I would. I had a very enjoyable time.