Vacation scheme Review

Item: Vacation scheme at Shoosmiths
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at Shoosmiths

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law

Birmingham

Review Submitted: July 2021

Overall Rating

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!

5/5 - Overview of Experience

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Company Culture

5/5 - Overall Experience

5/5 - Recommendations and Advice

Overview of Experience

Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.

A 3-day virtual vacation scheme where there were only 20 places.
Partook in group tasks, written assessments and delivered a 15-minute presentation at the end of the scheme. The presentation was followed by an interview with two partners.
Throughout the week we were involved in tasks that trainees were usually expected to complete and attended numerous legal workshops. A jam-packed schedule that allowed you to get to know the firm personally.

What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?

It was a fantastic experience which a provided me with an insight into how Shoosmiths operates.
I had the opportunities to directly speak to legal professionals at all levels (trainee to partner). This exposure gave me a deeper knowledge of the firm’s strategy, how it structures its workforce and where a trainee would slot into daily working life. You will not get this level of knowledge elsewhere!

Please rate how insightful you found the insight

5/5

How would you rate the structure of the insight

5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

My presentation and communication skills were definitely strengthened throughout the scheme.
I had my first experience of a group task which was incredibly helpful in preparation for an assessment centre.
My networking skills were enhanced due to the numerous networking opportunities made available throughout the week.
The knowledge I gained on Shoosmiths and the work it does was invaluable. I was able to pinpoint where my interests lay within each sector.

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?

5/5

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?

Shoosmiths truly lives up to its reputation when it comes to being an inclusive and welcoming law firm. I felt valued throughout my experience and everyone that I spoke to was genuinely friendly. Lawyers set time aside from their busy schedules to speak to me about their sector and current workload. An approachable and accessible law firm that values skill set rather than social background!

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?

5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?

It was an incredible experience that I wish could have lasted for another week.
The experience confirmed my interest in training at Shoosmiths and pursuing a career as a solicitor.
It was a fun yet challenging experience that equipped me for the assessment centre.
They ensured we had social time with the other candidates by arranging an escape room at the end of the scheme.

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 Shoosmiths

5/5

Would you recommend Shoosmiths to a friend?

Yes

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Shoosmiths

Dedicate time to researching the firm and figuring out why this is the firm you want to train at.
Shoosmiths focuses on its 4 core values so ensure you are incorporating these into your answers. I have no legal experience and shoosmiths loved the non-legal examples I used. Remember to think about how your experience will benefit you when working as a lawyer. Inject personality into every answer - what makes you unique?

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