Vacation Scheme Student Review
at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law, Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Experience
4.5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Company Culture
5/5
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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.
The day-to-day of the vacation scheme involved undertaking real legal work for clients in two practice areas. We attended meetings, listened in on actual client calls and participated in social events to gain insight into the firm's culture and practice areas. The experience also provided opportunities for networking in the form of coffee chats.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Spending three weeks at GDC revealed the firm’s strategic focus on trans‑Atlantic deals and high‑stakes disputes and showed where trainees add the most value. I saw how juniors rapidly assume responsibility—from drafting SPAs to preparing witness statements—while also exploring other roles in ESG and legal tech. The international exposure, supportive mentorship, and hands‑on client work confirmed that as a trainee, I would develop into a confident, commercially minded lawyer.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Memo drafting, drafting legal documents (SPA and Loan Agreement) and client communication. I also learned effective time management, managing both client and supervisor expectations by giving clear timelines and communicating if things changed.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
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?
4/5
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
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
GDC’s culture is supportive, collaborative and high‑energy. Partners and trainees operate in a flat hierarchy with open‑door mentoring and frequent feedback. Teams embrace a meritocratic ethos—junior insight is valued on high‑stakes matters—while also promoting camaraderie through social events and cross‑office secondments. There’s a strong commitment to pro bono, diversity and wellbeing, which, combined with global connectivity and cutting‑edge legal tech, fosters an atmosphere of innovation, inclusivity and shared drive for excellence. At the scheme’s close, we were asked to identify anyone who hadn’t adhered to the firm’s values—a question that invited tattling and could be unfairly and deceptively used by some to gain an advantage.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
3/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I found the insight invaluable and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the scheme. Gaining firsthand exposure to how strategic decisions drive transactions, witnessing trainees take real ownership of work, and engaging with diverse lawyers and trainees broadened my perspective far beyond what I expected. Likewise, learning about new areas of law like Competition and Finance genuinely sparked my passion to delve deeper into these fields and consider how I can contribute meaningfully to these dynamic practice groups.
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
Research the firm’s key practices and landmark matters, linking them to your experiences. Showcase commercial awareness by framing past work in terms of client impact. Highlight global experience or languages, and interest in secondments. Provide clear examples of teamwork, integrity, and resilience. Disclose disabilities without fear.
