First Year Workshop Review

Sessions included:
-Partner Welcome
-Corporate Negotiation Workshop
-Office Tour and Networking Lunch
-Technical Thinking Session
-Inside the Headlines: BT Tower
-Pro Bono Session
-Application Advice
-Future Joiner First Year Alumni Panel
-Social: Pasta Making
-Practice Area Fair
-Inside the Headlines: HS2
-Trainee Q&A Panel
-Work Shadowing

Through constant exposure to different employees across various levels of the firm, I was able to build a really holistic understanding of how the firm operates. Speaking to people from different departments gave me a strong sense of how the teams work together and the kind of culture the firm fosters. The application advice session was particularly useful, as it clearly laid out the different opportunities available, from vacation schemes to training contracts, and helped me understand what the firm looks for in candidates.
Additionally, the presentations on real cases the firm has worked on were incredibly insightful. They not only gave context to the kind of work the firm is involved in but also deepened my understanding of its commercial approach and the industries it operates in. Altogether, the experience gave me a much clearer and more informed picture of the business.

I have developed a range of skills through the insight scheme. My communication and networking skills have grown significantly, particularly through interactions during the networking lunch, trainee Q&A panel, and office tour. I felt more confident engaging with professionals across all levels of the firm, which really helped me build my confidence in professional settings. The corporate negotiation workshop helped strengthen my negotiation and persuasion skills, as I learned how to think strategically and present arguments effectively in a high-pressure, deal-based scenario.
I also developed my analytical and critical thinking through the “Inside the Headlines” sessions on BT Tower and HS2, where we explored real-life issues and considered the legal and commercial challenges involved. The technical thinking session was especially useful in pushing me to approach problems in a structured and logical way. On top of that, my legal and commercial awareness was broadened through the practice area fair, pro bono session, and work shadowing: each giving me insight into how different teams operate and how law firms support both clients and the wider community.

The company culture and atmosphere were incredibly welcoming and supportive. All the trainees took time out of their busy schedules to ensure that everyone felt included and valued. Individuals at every level of the firm were actively involved in the delivery of the program, creating an environment where we all felt genuinely supported. It was clear that everyone was eager to help and contribute to our success.

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight scheme. It was well-structured, allowing us to make the most of the two days. Having the opportunity to speak with so many firm representatives provided me with a clear and comprehensive understanding of what life at the firm is truly like.

Yes