Vacation scheme student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on my vacation scheme at Shearman & Sterling. I particularly enjoyed my time in the m&a department. During my time there I was able to work with four members of the department and get involved in three different cases. This ensured that I expreienced a variety of work and allowed me to develop my understanding further. Everyone I met at the firm were welcoming and friendly and willing to answer any questions I had. Socially, the grad rec team organised fun and relaxed events. These events allowed me to learn more about the firm in a relaxed environment.

I felt extremely valued during my time at the firm. In both the arbitration department and m&a department my supervisors gave me constant feedback on all work. Furthermore, engaging with work on existing cases made me as though the work I was doing would actually be useful.

I received a good amount of guidance during the scheme. In both departments I had a supervisor and trainee buddy. This meant that I had consistent contacts and always felt as though I could ask for work or help. However, during my time at the litigation department my supervisor was away for three days. As this was my first week, I was unsure about how to get work off other Members of the department. During this time it would have been helpful if someone had explained what to do in my supervisors absence.

The skills I have developed will help me greatly in my future studies. For instance, the work I carried out in the m&a department developed my understanding of the functioning of companies. In the litigation department I was able to learn about the functioning of retroactive tax measures. Both of these skills will help me during my third year of uni.

The scheme was well structured. I knew at all times what was going to happen during the week ahead and the structure of each day. At the beginning of the scheme I was given a pack outlining this and the social events.

Generally, the atmosphere of my vac scheme was relaxed. Every member of the firm I met was friendly and willing to answer any questions. However, I think it would be useful if there were more associates at the social events. This would have allowed me to meet a variety of associates from different departments.

I feel as though the firm invests significantly in its vac scheme students. Whilst on the scheme it felt as though grad rec and lawyers were really trying to get to know me as a person in order to see if I would fit into the firm. The scheme was also well structured and organised.

The vac scheme gave me an extremely clear view of what it would be like to work at the firm. In both departments it was clear that the work given was supposed to allow me to see what life as a trainee would be like at the firm. On the whole, the work given allowed me to see this and gave mea much clearer insight into the working culture of the firm.

Very significantly. The vac scheme allowed me to see that the firm has a relaxed working culture and a flat structure. I was able to see this by asking questions and observing how lawyers interacted with each other.

Very significant. I have since accepted a training contract with the firm. The vac scheme allowed me to get a better sense of the type of work and culture of the firm.

I was paid £500 for two weeks.

Yes. I was introduced to all members of the team in each department. There was also a leaving drinks with lawyers from most departments. However, in order to improve I think there should be more lawyers at social events. This would have enabled me to meet more people in a relaxed environment.

The socials were fun and relaxed on the scheme. I particularly enjoyed the pasta making class as it was a unique experience. Whilst the Duck & Waffle was also fun, it was quite difficult to interact with a lot of people due to the table lay out. It Would also be a good idea to have more informal drink events with other lawyers from the firm.

Yes. Through asking questions, I was able to learn about the sporting teams the firm has to offer. I also learnt about the many pro bono opportunities and was able to get involved in one project.

Yes. I would recommend the vac sheme to any friend who wants to learn more about the workings and culture of Shearman.