First Year Insight Day Review
at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.3/5
-
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.
The day involved various informative sessions which enhanced my understanding regarding what it'd be like to work at the firm. Specifically, the day included a welcome from the graduate recruitment team / training principal and an introduction to the firm's international corporate transactions / dispute resolutions / DTI / secondment opportunities. Most helpfully, the trainee panel offered a valuable insight into the culture and working conditions as part of the firm while also providing thorough and specific answers to my questions.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Understanding the business and roles at Gibson Dunn was enjoyable and helpful for the upcoming vacation scheme application season. The emphasis on tailored and individualised training - learning through hands-on deals - stood out. It reinforced my interest in a dynamic, international environment where collaboration and commercial awareness drive growth. Further, it was fun to hear the trainees sharing their own experiences across various seats - how the lean teams offer early responsibility, while secondments and pro bono work broadened their exposure.
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?
The Insight Day reinforced the importance of verbal / written communication, commercial awareness, and adaptability in a legal career. Prompted by the insights provided by current trainees and associates, I've learned to approach tasks and opportunities with a growth mindset - seeking feedback and embracing challenges while working in lean teams. Further, I learned about the importance of seeking out pro bono opportunities as a way of adding real value to people's lives while also honing my own problem-solving and client-facing skills.
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 at Gibson Dunn was described as collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating. Trainees highlighted the ‘human’ atmosphere - partners and associates actively mentor, welcome questions, and value teamwork. The lean structure fosters responsibility early on, while a strong emphasis on pro bono and diversity initiatives creates an inclusive environment. Despite the fast-paced work, the firm prioritises personal development, with a ‘learn as you go’ approach that normalises mistakes as growth opportunities. The overall vibe was energetic yet approachable.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
3/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I thoroughly enjoyed the insight for its depth and authenticity. Hearing directly from trainees about their hands-on experiences - from high-value deals to pro bono work - gave me clarity about life at the firm. The interactive sessions, especially on practice areas and secondments, were particularly engaging. The open, collaborative culture came across strongly, making the firm’s ethos both aspirational and relatable. It solidified my interest in pursuing a legal career in such a dynamic, supportive environment.
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 not paid and had no expenses
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
5/5
Would you recommend Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for Gibson Dunn’s unique culture - highlight their lean teams, international focus, and balanced disputes / transactional work. Tailor your application with specific examples of teamwork, initiative, and commercial awareness. Prepare thoroughly for case studies by following financial news. Emphasise any pro bono or extracurriculars showing well-roundedness. In interviews, be curious - ask insightful questions about their training model or recent deals. Most importantly, convey how you’d thrive in their collaborative, ‘learn-by-doing’ environment.
