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First Steps Programme, London Review

at Fieldfisher LLP

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law

London

Review Submitted: April 2024

Overall Rating

4.7 /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 - Overview of Experience
4.8/5 - Skills Development
4.8/5 - 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.
On Day 1, we gained an overview into Fieldfisher as a firm through a talk delivered by a partner at the firm. We also gained insights into AI, the firm's 'Just Purpose', DE&I, and ESG initiatives, and more.
On Day 2, we gained in-depth practice area insights, along with a group exercise where we had to pitch the firm to hypothetical clients.
In short, it was an incredibly enriching experience, which I highly recommend for aspiring solicitors.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was amazing to know more about more about the various routes into a career in commercial law. I was surprised to see that apart from direct vacation schemes routes, Fieldfisher had so many direct training contract candidates which involved former paralegals, among others. It underscored the importance of gaining relevant experience, whether through paralegal roles, internships, or other legal positions.
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?
Participating in the programme and engaging in group tasks and networking opportunities have undoubtedly contributed significantly to the development of my teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills. Throughout the programme, I had the chance to work closely with a diverse group of individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. This experience not only broadened my understanding of different viewpoints but also taught me how to effectively collaborate with people from various backgrounds.
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
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The culture at Fieldfisher was really friendly, open, and honest. Even the Partners were really friendly to talk to, which impressed me a lot. The trainees were honest in their reviews of the firm and the Early Careers team were a joy to talk to. They answered so many questions with such patience to help us.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I greatly enjoyed the insight scheme. I feel a sense of gratitude towards the Early Careers team especially for organising the event. One of the most impressive things about the event was the cohort size. There were just about 12 of us, which made interacting among ourselves easy and fun.
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 reimbursed expenses

Recommendations and Advice

Please rate the future employment prospects at Fieldfisher LLP
4/5
Would you recommend Fieldfisher LLP to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Fieldfisher LLP
I would advise them to focus on making their applications specific to the firm as it becomes evident if the application is copied off someone else. Additionally, I would advise them to focus on the firm's 'Just Purpose' initiatives, which the firm prides itself on. Also, it would be worth stressing on Fieldfisher's status as a 'European Firm', rather than an international firm. The expertise of the firm in niche practice areas like Medical Negligence, Tech & Data, etc., could also be worth mentioning.
In This Review
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