Vacation Scheme Student Review

I shadowed supervisors in both the corporate and litigation departments. My daily tasks included conducting legal research, drafting documents, and attending client calls and internal meetings. I also participated in valuable pro bono projects, reflecting the firm's commitment to pro bono services.
The scheme also included several social events and various talks about the firm's practice areas, providing insights into the firm's culture, structure, and diverse range of work.

Experiencing how different departments collaborate toward the overall objectives of the deals I worked on was both engaging and insightful. It allowed me to better understand the role that trainees play in supporting these deals, as well as how my skills and interests align with the typical work spearheaded by the firm's Corporate/Private Equity department.

While shadowing my supervisors and working on pro bono projects, I developed legal knowledge in areas such as arbitration, contract negotiation in acquisitions, public international law, and discrimination under the Equality Act. I also further developed skills in drafting and formatting legal documents, such as client memorandums, and delivering client pitches.

The firm exemplifies what I would describe as "big law work with a small law firm culture." The lean team structure and smaller headcount foster a close-knit environment where colleagues genuinely know each other. This contributes to a friendly and approachable atmosphere throughout the firm. From support staff to senior partners, everyone was accessible and willing to assist.

I greatly enjoyed the insight. It provided a valuable opportunity to network with various lawyers at the firm, work alongside both senior lawyers and peers, and make real connections throughout the scheme. The experience was both informative and exciting.

Yes