Summer Vacation Schemer Review

The insight involved a packed schedule of Meet the Team sessions, real-life work assisting our associate supervisors and networking with lawyers at the firm alongside attending social events. The daily tasks varied per team, with many being administrative work, memos or research reports. Vacation schemers were given a high level of responsibility and flexibility to seek work from whichever team they wanted and form relationships with other lawyers, simulating the free-market system at the firm.

I learnt many important tips on the routes from a trainee to becoming a newly qualified solicitor, as well as the roles that are available after one's career in corporate law. These include becoming an 'of counsel', an in-house counsel in a particular company or going into business roles. I found out that each has its unique benefits and is suitable depending on a person's specific goals and characteristics. Overall, understanding the business and potential roles available revealed to me how useful and applicable law is across one's professional career.

My exposure to corporate legal work has enhanced my skillset significantly. Being in the Private Equity team, I became better at grasping difficult concepts quickly, such as completion disclosure letters and warranties, when my supervisors explained them to me for my work. I also developed the ability to understand the holistic context of a deal and how my task fits into the bigger picture, through asking the right questions to the people familiar with the deal. Similarly, my time at the Employment team reinforced my ability to pay close attention to detail, which was crucial when cite-checking and proofreading skeleton arguments drafted by barristers. I also learnt how to present research using the firm's 'house style' when compiling a table of findings for the Employment team.

The company culture was the secret ingredient behind the firm's success, which was prominent among everyone I talked to. Lawyers across different stages in their careers - trainees who had multiple training contract offers at other firms, or lateral hires who moved to the firm after being a lifer at their previous company - emphasised that Gibson Dunn's collegiate, respectful and nice atmosphere made work so enjoyable and enhanced collaboration within the teams. Everyone at the firm was incredibly willing to help more junior lawyers or vacation schemers, had time to dedicate to answer even the most minor questions, was very kind and patient and had their own lives outside the firm, which was respected by everyone. I felt welcomed in the teams that I sat in, where I was both praised and given critical feedback on my work. My time and effort, albeit at this very junior level, felt valued within the team.

I very much enjoyed the insight, as I was very excited to come into the office each day and was willing to stay until later to assist my supervisors. Due to the incredibly welcoming environment which valued everyone equally, I was energised to network with lawyers across the firm, learn from their experience and generally form friendships outside of the firm. It was an incredible place for my personal and professional development.

Yes