Summer Placement Scheme Review
at Stephenson Harwood
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2023
Overall Rating
4.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Experience
4.8/5
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Skills Development
4/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
4/5
-
Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
During the placement I was assigned to an associate who gave me a variety of legal tasks to complete. Typically, I conducted legal research on UK and EU legislation to inform a legal report or client note. I was also able to listen in on client meetings and interact with a key client. The scheme provides you with the opportunity to network with trainees, associates and partners.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
As part of the placement scheme, there was a talk with a training principal who explained the firm’s strategy as a business. This was insightful as it gave me a better understanding of the firm’s strengths. There is also the opportunity to reach out to the business development team to further understand where the firm is going.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
My written communication skills developed largely as I was tasked with noting my thoughts on a legal matter to an associate and a partner. I gained legal research skills as the IT team gave me access to Practical Law where I was able to research legal concepts to inform my supervisor. Finally, I developed my technological competence as I used various legal tech tools and case management systems.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
4/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
3/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Extremely collaborative - fee earners of all levels are willing to answer any questions and give advice if you ask. I also noticed a sense of camaraderie amongst the current cohort of trainees. Everyone seemed to be genuinely supportive of one another and enjoyed spending time together outside of work.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
4/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
It was an invaluable scheme which I enjoyed wholeheartedly. There was not a competitive nature between the other vac schemers which allows you to make meaningful friendships and genuinely learn what others are doing in their teams. There were numerous opportunities to ‘upskill’ as the firm frequently does lunch and learn sessions. Overall, you leave the scheme with more practical knowledge than you had before.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Stephenson Harwood
4/5
Would you recommend Stephenson Harwood to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Stephenson Harwood
Set out goals for what you want to gain out of the scheme and share these with your supervisor from the first day. You will find that your supervisor will bear this in mind and make effort to ensure that you achieve all of these goals. Introduce yourself to everyone you meet and then send a follow up teams message to them. Finally, ask as many questions as possible.
