Spring Insight Scheme Participant Review

Our insight programme consisted of two parts. On the first day, we participated in a range of presentations including a partner introduction to the firm, an overview of the fintech department, and a networking session with trainees. On the second day, we were allocated departments and a trainee supervisor to complete live work for clients. My task involved formatting documents and information from foreign counsel, and researching the civil procedure rules for a current disputes case.

We were given a tailored firm presentation from graduate recruitment outlining the application process and steps along the way. Hearing from departments such as fintech improved my understanding of the different industries and practice areas I could potentially work in as a Simmons & Simmons trainee. Networking with current trainees also helped me understand the mixture of transactional, advisory, and contentious work on offer. I also gained a sense of how Wavelength - which uses technology to find smarter legal solutions - provided opportunities for trainee involvement.

Networking with partners and trainees helped develop my interpersonal skills, particularly in a professional environment. Hearing about current regulatory challenges in the fintech sector particularly helped develop my commercial awareness and knowledge of the firm's clients. Analysing documents and legal information during my shadowing task improved my attention to detail and ability to quickly process large amounts of unfamiliar information. Researching the civil procedure codes also helped develop my technical knowledge of the law and ability to summarise information.

The company culture was very supportive and friendly. I found that partners were extremely willing to share advice and insights from their respective departments. My trainee supervisor was very attentive in explaining tasks and making me feel like my work was valued. I was also given the opportunity to speak to an associate in my department, who introduced me to the types of construction disputes commonly faced. This was a major attraction to Simmons & Simmons for me.

I was extremely grateful to be able to attend the Simmons & Simmons insight scheme. Despite only being two days long, and in a virtual setting, I gained invaluable insights into the firm's practice areas and culture. I also found the unique opportunity to be given trianee tasks and gain feedback a memorable experience compared to other first year schemes. I would definitely recommend the insight programme and would consider applying to further vacation schemes in the future.

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