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Shoosmiths

Vacation Scheme Review

at Shoosmiths

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

Southampton

Review Submitted: June 2022

Overall Rating

5 /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
5/5 - 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.
Vacation Schemers were given a project brief at the beginning of the week, which we worked on throughout the week and presented to our colleagues at the end. We were also given several trainee-level tasks to complete throughout the week such as drafting, research etc. We interacted with our teams throughout the week and were fully integrated into the office environment. We also watched a number of online sessions regarding the firm's culture.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was absolutely fantastic- through several online sessions, we learned a massive amount regarding the firm's culture and business model, and how every facet of the company works in conjunction to create beneficial outcomes.
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 vacation scheme gave me the best possible insight into life as a trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths. I learned to be more confident and independent in my working style, whilst furthermore becoming comfortable to ask my team for advice and co-operate on certain tasks. I developed my written communication skills through the legal drafting which I completed, and further improved my spoken communication skills when networking and engaging with other individuals in the office.
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?
It was absolutely fantastic- I was welcomed to the role and felt fully integrated into the office by the end of the week. Every member of the office was approachable and willing to give advice, and I was treated like an actual trainee rather than a burden on the office, or someone to be babysat.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I enjoyed this insight massively. It is the most organic and insightful experience which I have ever had within my legal experience, and I felt a massive sense of accomplishment when receiving feedback on the work which I completed. I didn't want the experience to end!
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 Shoosmiths
5/5
Would you recommend Shoosmiths to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Shoosmiths
It's all about fitting into the culture of being personable, approachable and positive. Having the academics/previous experience is undoubtedly important, but you need to be demonstrating that you align with the firm's values!
In This Review
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