Summer Vacation Scheme Student Review

During my vacation scheme, I completed a variety of tasks such as proofreading, legal research, summarising an NDA, and drafting contracts and letters. These were complemented by practice area talks, socials, and networking events which provided further insight into the firm’s work and culture.

Before joining the firm, I didn’t fully understand what Gibson Dunn's “free market system” meant in practice. However, on my first day, I spoke with an Of Counsel in the Corporate Practice Group who was 9–10+ years post-qualified and working as a generalist in the Corporate Practice Group. He chose the work that genuinely interested him, which was truly eye-opening. The firm not only supported this but actively encouraged it. This approach resonated with me as someone who loves to learn and explore different areas. It also became clear how supportive the firm is overall—whether by allowing lawyers to work from international offices in their home countries or by making the trainee qualification process as smooth as possible. In fact, the firm was creating NQ roles in practice areas that hadn’t previously existed for trainees who showed genuine interest in them.

I definitely strengthened my critical thinking skills during the scheme. Although I came in with prior legal experience, it was in a different practice area to the one I was sat in at the Firm. This meant I consistently drew on what I already knew to understand new legal concepts and to tackle tasks I've never done before. I think this allowed me to adapt quickly and engage with the work more effectively.

The company culture at Gibson Dunn felt very supportive and inclusive. I appreciated how the firm went the extra mile to accommodate diverse needs—for example, they were the first law firm I experienced that provided halal food during events for me, which made me feel truly welcomed. Overall, the atmosphere was rewarding, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and personal development.

I really enjoyed the vacation scheme and made the most of the scheme by shaping it around what I wanted to experience. Going in, I was particularly keen to understand the firm’s free market system, and I had the chance to do exactly that. I also wanted to be fully involved in the work, which I was, and found both challenging and rewarding. Beyond the work, I really enjoyed the socials - there was organised activities like baking, a movie night, and a painting session.

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