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Simmons & Simmons LLP

Vac Scheme Intern Review

at Simmons & Simmons LLP

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

London

Review Submitted: July 2021

Overall Rating

4.9 /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
4.8/5 - 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.
Completed work- often research/ drafting, which was then reviewed and assessed by my direct supervisor. I was frequently engaged in sessions regarding the firm, it’s business and its culture throughout the scheme. I also had a trainee buddy who provided support and further work to be engaged in throughout the week.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
There were great insights throughout and I felt the scheme really allowed us to gain an insight into life as a trainee solicitor. Seeing how the different departments/ teams interact was valuable for my own understanding of what law I want to specialise in later in my career.
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?
Definitely- the principal skill is time management, as the week is quite full-on and you are expected to balance the different commitments throughout the week.
My presentation skills, communication, collaboration and commercial understanding were particularly developed by the work set and the helpful sessions throughout the scheme.
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?
The culture was so friendly- everybody that I met, including my supervisor and trainee buddy, were more than willing to offer their time and answer questions regarding the work. Despite being virtual, the scheme really allowed me to gain a positive impression of the working culture of the firm.
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?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I enjoyed the insight a lot. The work I was set was engaging, actually valuable, and contemporary- really interesting. Everyone was supportive and there was an open, non-hierarchical culture I found very attractive as a candidate. There were also socials throughout which allowed me to meet the other candidates in an informal and open environment. Though busy and full-on, I came away from the scheme impressed by the insight and value I had gained.
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 Simmons & Simmons LLP
5/5
Would you recommend Simmons & Simmons LLP to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Simmons & Simmons LLP
The application process is quite lengthy and involved- especially at the early stages.
However, I would definitely say to be as genuine and interested as you can. Nobody at the firm is trying to “trick” you in interviews- they are very positive experiences and you should approach them accordingly. Prepare lots of questions based on things you couldn't find online- demonstrate interest in the firm’s work and culture.
Finally- try to have fun!
In This Review
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