Summer Vacation Scheme Candidate Review

I was given tasks by my assigned supervisors and buddy to complete. Tasks included researching information on sanctions for a deliverable, writing a section of a memorandum for a client on new updates and researching for and proofreading a press release by the firm. I also attended training sessions with my supervisors ranging from banking knowledge to business development to sessions on Pro Bono and innovation.

As it was a vacation scheme, the one potential role that the firm was hiring for was made pretty clear (trainee solicitor) what the potential role is. However, I did learn about different seats and the possibility and process of qualifying in those seats. I enjoy understanding about the business too and getting to know the firm better through the my supervisors and buddy and through informal coffee chats with people at the firm.

Yes. I developed my writing skills and information retrieval skills as I had to make sure the information I picked out and wrote about were relevant to the client. I also improved my speaking and networking skills during the numerous networking sessions and socials I attended, as I talked to many people at the firm in order to understand working at the firm better. I improved my summarising skills too.

The company culture is helpful and friendly in a genuine way. The open plan office really helps create this atmosphere as I can see that associates are not afraid of talking to partners, so it does not feel as bureaucratic and strictly hierarchical which I like. Everyone was very open to my questions and would thank me for my help which I appreciate.

I enjoyed it a lot. Besides everyone being so patient and friendly, I really got to learn what working at the firm is like and how the different departments work together as I was able to do live tasks and attend team meetings. No one was afraid to show me things or hide things from me so I really felt included as part of the firm, which is what made it so authentic to me.

Yes