Summer Placement Scheme student Review
at Stephenson Harwood
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
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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 placement scheme gave me deep insight into life as a commercial lawyer. I undertook several trainee tasks such as drafting documents, conducting legal research, preparing bibles and document reviews. I sat in two different practice areas each week and got involved in real-time work across the two teams.
In addition to the work done, I attended numerous sessions from lawyers across the firm which were incredibly insightful. It was a great experience overall.
In addition to the work done, I attended numerous sessions from lawyers across the firm which were incredibly insightful. It was a great experience overall.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was amazing getting to learn much more about the law firm and what the work it does entails. Although we sat in two teams, several sessions were organised which introduced us to the practice areas and what a typical day was like for the lawyers in those practice areas.
All teams across the firm get involved in really high-quality work from contentious to transactional, which really makes for a well-rounded training contract experience.
All teams across the firm get involved in really high-quality work from contentious to transactional, which really makes for a well-rounded training contract experience.
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?
I have better developed great interpersonal skills as it helps your team to manage expectations which leads to better efficiency overall.
I developed the skills needed to complete trainee tasks such as organisation, attention to detail and diligence - which is needed when preparing bibles for example which is a very important post-closing task. I have also learnt how commercial awareness is inextricably linked in practice to work done day to day as a commercial lawyer.
I developed the skills needed to complete trainee tasks such as organisation, attention to detail and diligence - which is needed when preparing bibles for example which is a very important post-closing task. I have also learnt how commercial awareness is inextricably linked in practice to work done day to day as a commercial lawyer.
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's culture was really great. Diversity, inclusion and belonging are something they place in high regard. Everyone I interacted with was really lovely and kind. It was clear that they enjoy working at the firm, some having been at the firm for over 10 years.
I felt really valued as a person as they wanted to get to know me as much as I wanted to get to know them.
I felt really valued as a person as they wanted to get to know me as much as I wanted to get to know them.
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?
I learned so much and it has been the most rewarding and enriching experience! The entire scheme was so insightful and it was clear that so much was put into making sure it was well-structured, valuable and fulfilling.
Engaging in real work really helped me understand my role as a commercial lawyer. I greatly developed myself both personally and professionally.
Engaging in real work really helped me understand my role as a commercial lawyer. I greatly developed myself both personally and professionally.
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 Stephenson Harwood
5/5
Would you recommend Stephenson Harwood to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Stephenson Harwood
I would advice those applying to do a thorough research on the firm and know why you would like to work there. It is also helpful to brush up on your commercial awareness and know how certain trends will affect the firm and its cleints.
Most importantly, Stephenson Harwood values your individuality so don't be afraid to show and demonstate all that makes you unique, there's so much transferable skills from them.
Most importantly, Stephenson Harwood values your individuality so don't be afraid to show and demonstate all that makes you unique, there's so much transferable skills from them.
