Vacation Scheme Student Review
at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
London
Review Submitted: July 2025
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
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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.
I split my time between two different seats and supervisors, and the work largely revolved around reviewing legal documents, assisting with the administration of certain processes such as due diligence, and shadowing calls and meetings, both internal and external. I was able to reach out to a variety of people who were willing to share their work with me, and I also had the chance to take part in some meaningful pro bono cases.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
I enjoyed being able to talk to everyone in the office, regardless of their job role. The first-hand insight into people's day-to-day workload and schedules helped me to better understand the workplace and how colleagues interacted. I felt like I could ask all my questions and receive an honest answer, so it was encouraging to see everybody engaging in an open and friendly manner.
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?
Proactively managing my time was a hugely important skill which I nurtured over the course of the scheme, and I also developed my ability to confidently communicate and exchange expectations with my supervisor. It was a useful exercise in balancing working efficiently each day with ensuring my work was accurate and carefully completed.
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?
Whilst the company culture revolved around working hard, everybody was extremely friendly and always made time to chat, offer advice, or find a timeslot in their day to meet with me. The office itself had quieter and busier days, but I found that I always had a plan in place to catch up with someone or have lunch, which provided a nice structure to my working day.
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?
The vacation scheme was really incredible - definitely hard work but offering an unparalleled insight into some of the most cutting-edge practice areas and top-level legal matters. I felt genuinely included in meaningful work with plenty of responsibility but enough support to guide me through this. So many people offered me valuable advice and it felt like they were keen to meet the students and encourage them to succeed. The culture amongst the vacation scheme students was not too competitive - I found I worked with them, rather than against, and I made some good friends.
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
I think that I was initially intimidated by the prestige of Gibson Dunn, and wasn't sure whether I would fit into the culture of a US firm. By taking a step to push beyond my original personal expectations, I really surprised myself and enjoyed the scheme much more than I could have anticipated! Whilst the firm is prestigious and hard-working, I found that the people were approachable and I got on with them well, overcoming my initial lack of confidence.
