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Open Day Participant Review

at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Insight Day

Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Legal/Law

London

Review Submitted: December 2025

Overall Rating

4.9 /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 - Overview of the Experience
5/5 - Skills Development
4.5/5 - Company Culture

Overview of the Experience

Please give an overview of what your experience involved:
5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Gibson Dunn Open Day. The day was packed, but it went by incredibly quickly because the sessions were genuinely engaging. I particularly valued the partner-led introductions to corporate and disputes work, as well as the chance to ask questions about current legal trends in such a fast-evolving legal landscape. The associates and partners were very open and candid, and I found those conversations intellectually stimulating.
The Commercial Awareness Workshop was a standout part of the day. Preparing and debating arguments on workplace surveillance with guidance from associates gave me a realistic sense of how Gibson Dunn analyses complex issues. I also appreciated the opportunity to speak with the other participants afterward and reflect on the exercise together.
If I could suggest one improvement, it would be to include a short, dedicated discussion slot after the workshop with lawyers from corporate and disputes. Many of us were eager to hear their perspectives on the topic. Overall, it was an excellent, well-organised day that strengthened my motivation to apply for the vacation scheme.
How well organised was your experience?
5/5
The Open Day was very well organised. The schedule was clear and balanced, with a mix of partner-led presentations, interactive workshops, and opportunities to speak with trainees. Everything ran smoothly, and the team were welcoming and approachable throughout the day.
To what extent did you enjoy your experience?
5/5
I really enjoyed the Open Day. The discussions with partners and associates were intellectually stimulating, and I found the workshop engaging and thought-provoking. Although it was a full day, the time passed quickly because the sessions were so interesting, and I left feeling inspired and motivated to pursue a career at Gibson Dunn.
How much did your experience help you in deciding on your future career path?
5/5
The experience gave me valuable insight into the culture, work, and expectations at a leading international law firm. It confirmed my interest in cross-border disputes and corporate work, and strengthened my motivation to apply for the vacation scheme. I especially appreciated the opportunity to discuss legal trends and complex issues with practicing lawyers, which gave me a realistic sense of the challenges and intellectual rewards of a career at Gibson Dunn.
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was not paid and had no expenses

Skills Development

What training and skills development did you learn from your experience?
5/5
The Open Day provided excellent opportunities to develop both professional and practical skills. I gained insight into commercial awareness by analysing complex issues in the Commercial Awareness Workshop and debating different perspectives with guidance from associates.
I also developed critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills through collaborative exercises and discussions. Additionally, sessions on applications, interviews, and trainee life offered guidance on professional development, career planning, and the skills needed to succeed in a high-performing, international law firm environment.
Speaking directly with partners and associates further enhanced my understanding of analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and how lawyers approach complex legal and commercial issues in practice.

Company Culture

How much did you learn about the company culture and what it would be like to work there?
5/5
The Open Day provided a strong insight into Gibson Dunn’s culture. Through partner and associate discussions, the trainee panel, and interactive workshops, I gained a clear sense of a collaborative, intellectually rigorous, and supportive environment. I observed how the firm balances early responsibility with mentorship, encourages curiosity and initiative, and fosters engagement across practice areas. The day reinforced that Gibson Dunn values professionalism, teamwork, and analytical thinking, while maintaining a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere — giving me a realistic sense of what it would be like to work there.
Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees?
4/5
Yes, there were great opportunities to meet and engage with employees across the firm. The partner- and associate-led sessions, trainee panel, and Q&A sessions allowed for meaningful conversations about legal practice, career paths, and current trends. I also enjoyed collaborating with associates during the Commercial Awareness Workshop. If anything, I would have appreciated a little more time for questions and discussion, particularly after the workshop, to dive deeper into how lawyers approach complex legal and commercial issues. Overall, it was an excellent chance to connect with lawyers at different levels and gain insight into the firm’s culture.

Recommendations and Advice

Would you recommend Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Gibson Dunn because it offers an intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and supportive environment where trainees are given early responsibility and exposure to complex, high-stakes, cross-border work. The firm fosters curiosity, initiative, and professional development, while maintaining a culture that values teamwork, mentorship, and creativity. The Open Day demonstrated how approachable and knowledgeable partners, associates, and trainees are, and it reinforced that Gibson Dunn is a place where ambitious lawyers can develop their skills, work on challenging matters, and make a meaningful impact.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP?
Research the firm thoroughly, including its practice areas, culture, and recent deals or cases, so you can demonstrate genuine interest and commercial awareness. Take advantage of insight events and open days to speak directly with partners, associates, and trainees, and be prepared to ask thoughtful questions. Highlight your ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and communicate clearly, as these skills are highly valued in both applications and interviews. Finally, be authentic: show your enthusiasm for complex, high-stakes work and your willingness to engage proactively with challenges and learning opportunities
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