Summer Vacation Scheme Review
at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: July 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
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Overview of Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
We received insightful work from supervisors and other lawyers in both our Disputes and Transactional seats. Informative coffee chats and presentations were organised for us with many different practice areas of the Firm, as well as from the Firm's leaders. Fun social events were held regularly for the Vacation Scheme students, in which we also had the chance to network with the Firm's lawyers. We worked on engaging assessed tasks throughout the scheme.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The talks organised with various teams of lawyers gave me the chance to learn more about the differences between the Firm's distinct practices and departments, both in terms of substance, work style, and skills. Furthermore, the nature of the seat rotation gave me valuable exposure to both Disputes and Transactional work, and I truly came to understand the unique differences between both departments, and learnt more about what best suits me.
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?
I developed critical analysis skills through the detail-oriented tasks and assessments I received throughout the scheme. I developed my teamwork and communication skills from the group presentation task, where working collaboratively was the key to success. I developed my commercial awareness through exposure to interesting deals and cases, and stimulating tasks set by my supervisors in relation to them - the hands-on approach helped develop my initiative and versatility, key traits of a good commercial lawyer.
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 Firm's culture, reflecting its Californian roots, was incredibly vibrant and welcoming from the very start. All the lawyers were very approachable, including the partners, who were always willing to give up their time to include us in their work, or to talk to us at the social events or over a coffee. This was reflected in the incredible support team who were also very friendly and would always stop by to greet us.
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 really enjoyed the Vacation Scheme, which exceeded my high expectations. The work was very interesting; the scheme was very well structured with many opportunities to learn more about the Firm; and the social events were a fun way to experience the Firm's culture and develop a network. I also became good friends with my peers as a result. I would certainly go back if I could, and would recommend it to anyone interested.
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 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
Make sure you do thorough research on the strengths and unique characteristics of the Firm before applying, and try to attend a Firm event or open day if possible to get insight into the Firm's culture. All work experience is valuable so long as you can extract the right transferrable skills. Most importantly, remember to be genuine and let your personality show throughout the application - both in the cover letter and in the interviews.
