Winter Vacation Scheme Student Review

The insight scheme was designed to give participants a meaningful introduction to the firm, its people, and its culture. Rather than focusing on formal project work, the programme centred on networking, shadowing opportunities, and gaining firsthand exposure to different practice areas.
On a day-to-day basis, I spent most of my time meeting trainees, associates and partners for coffee chats. These conversations were an opportunity to learn about their career journeys, the structure of their teams, and the realities of working at the firm. Many people generously shared advice on professional development, how to approach training, and how to navigate the transition from university to practice.
Alongside these informal discussions, I attended scheduled talks and introductions to different departments, which helped me understand the types of matters the firm handles and how teams collaborate across offices. The insight also involved observing the working environment, sitting in on calls or meetings when appropriate, and speaking to lawyers about live matters at a high level. Other than this, my trainer set me work that mimicked would a trainee would be required to do. This really helped me test my understanding of foundational topics and gave me a grasp of what to expect if I joined the firm as a trainee.

Gaining an understanding of the business and the range of roles available was probably one of the most valuable parts of the insight. Through conversations with people across different levels and departments, I was able to see how the firm operates not just as a legal practice, but as a global business with many moving parts working together.
What stood out most was how each team contributes differently to the wider organisation, from transactional and advisory work to the support functions that keep the firm running smoothly. Hearing directly from trainees, associates, partners and business services professionals helped me appreciate the breadth of opportunities and how varied a career at the firm can be.
It was also reassuring to learn how many pathways exist for growth. People were very open about their experiences, which made it easier to understand what each role involves day-to-day and what skills are needed to excel. This gave me a clearer picture of where my strengths and interests might fit in, and it made the prospect of joining a large international firm feel far more enticing and welcoming.

Yes, although the scheme did not involve much formal work, it still helped me develop several important interpersonal and professional skills.
Firstly, I strengthened my communication skills. Speaking with trainees, associates and partners every day taught me how to ask better questions, tailor conversations to different audiences, and engage confidently with people at various levels of seniority. I became more comfortable initiating discussions, maintaining rapport, and actively listening to draw out useful insights. This really helped me when building my network, and I am now at a place where i feel like I could reach out to anyone I spoke to at the firm.
I also developed my networking skills. Prior to the scheme, I often felt unsure about how to build genuine professional relationships. Through multiple coffee chats, I learned how to create meaningful connections, follow up thoughtfully, and show curiosity in a way that felt authentic rather than transactional. This mirrors my above sentiment, where I know how to build those connections that will last me a long time.
Another skill I developed was my self-awareness. Hearing so many people talk about their career paths helped me reflect on my own strengths, interests and areas for growth. This has made me more intentional about the steps I need to take moving forward. Before, I had little to no idea of what type of lawyer I wanted to be, but through hearing people talk about their work and even sitting in on some deals and meetings, I now know where my passion lies and I'm excited to explore it further with the firm.
Finally, I grew in confidence. Being encouraged to approach people across the firm, and receiving positive responses, helped me feel far more assured in professional settings.

The company culture and atmosphere were some of the most impressive parts of the insight. From the very first day, the environment felt welcoming, open and genuinely supportive. People across all levels, from trainees, associates, to partners, were approachable and willing to give their time, even during busy periods. This created a sense of accessibility that made it easy to ask questions and learn from others.
What stood out most was how down-to-earth and collaborative everyone was. Conversations never felt rushed or transactional; instead, people were honest about their experiences and genuinely interested in sharing advice. There was a clear emphasis on teamwork, respect and maintaining a positive working dynamic.
I also noticed a strong sense of pride in the firm’s identity and the work being done. Many people spoke passionately about why they enjoyed working there, which contributed to my interest in the firm and my want to work there. Everyone made it feel as though they were happy to go to work, which is something I ultimately want for my future and a big part of the reason I enjoyed the scheme so much.

I genuinely enjoyed the insight to a very high extent. Despite its informal structure, it was one of the most engaging and energising experiences I’ve had. I found it incredibly rewarding to speak with so many people across the firm who were open, supportive and willing to share their journeys. Each conversation left me more inspired and gave me a clearer sense of what a future at the firm could look like.
I also enjoyed the opportunity to explore the culture firsthand and see how the values I had heard about actually play out in practice. The welcoming atmosphere made it easy to ask questions, build connections and get comfortable in the environment.
I came away from the experience feeling both grateful and motivated. It confirmed my interest in the firm and made me even more excited about the prospect of returning in a more formal capacity.

Yes

One key piece of advice is to be proactive in building connections and learning as much as possible about the firm. During my insight, the most valuable experiences came from engaging with trainees, associates, and partners through conversations, so showing curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and genuinely listening can make a strong impression.
I would also suggest doing thorough research into the firm’s culture, work, and values before applying. Understanding the type of work they do and the qualities they value in trainees will help you tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest.
Finally, be yourself and show enthusiasm. The firm values candidates who are not only capable but also collaborative, adaptable, and eager to learn. Demonstrating your personality alongside your skills can help you stand out in a competitive process.