Summer Vacation Student 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.
I was involved in the work of the firm primarily in two seats: a transactional seat and a contentious seat. Each day was a mix of conversations with partners from different practice areas, work for supervisors in our two seats (and sometimes other practice areas, if interested), assessed exercises (written assessments and a group presentation) and social events.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was exciting to see in practice how the ‘free market system’ of the firm operates. My discussions with associates and partners made me realise how much support Gibson Dunn gives when it comes to the career development of junior solicitors, especially when carving out their own practice and pursuing their professional interests.
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?
Through detailed feedback sessions on our written exercises, I was able to gain a deeper insight into corporate law and negotiation strategies when it comes the drafting a share purchase agreement for a client. I was also able to learn the basics of legal drafting when working on a settlement agreement. The discussion sessions with partners greatly increased my commercial awareness and understanding of current legal challenges, such as the increasing ESG expectations.
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 is extremely sensitive when it comes to the social side of openness and inclusivity and I could experience its highly collaborative culture that spans across all seniority levels. When it comes to openness and inclusivity in terms of being a junior at the firm, I felt that my work was taken seriously, and my opinions were considered by fee earners – just as if I was a fully-fledged member of the firm already.
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?
Without a doubt, the firm's vacation scheme has been the most defining legal experience of my professional life and it also enabled me to meet likeminded people and form trustful friendships. My experience on the scheme could not have been more welcoming and friendly. I could gain a deep insight into the culture of the firm, and I felt supported in evolving to the next stage of my journey towards becoming a solicitor.
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 and reimbursed 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
In many online commercial law forums, you can often only read about how challenging and difficult vacation schemes (particularly at US-headquartered firms) are. Although there are naturally high expectations, at Gibson Dunn, you will feel supported even when a task is difficult and you will be fully welcomed as a contributing member of the firm. If you attend the scheme, you will be inspired and your legal acumen will improve hugely.
