Vacation Scheme Student Review

The two-week scheme was structured really well. We first had a comprehensive introduction to the firm, and then met our supervisors, with whom we sat for the whole scheme. We frequently attended panels where we met teams across every practice area, including pro bono and diversity committees, and had some formally assessed tasks during the second week. Day to day, I was given real tasks by my supervisor, including contract review, due diligence and legal research, alongside attending team meetings and networking with everyone from trainees to partners across the firm. The social events, including drinks, lunches and a baking activity, made us feel very welcomed!

The 'Meet the Team' panels were really valuable as each practice area presented their work and we could ask questions directly to partners and associates. I gained an understanding of how the different teams interact, from corporate and leveraged finance through to arbitration and competition. What I appreciated was how much variety there is within the firm, and how the free market system means you won't be locked into one practice from the outset. Through informal chats with associates across the office, I got a more detailed picture of what each role actually looks like day-to-day.

On the practical side, I got much faster at writing concise, professional emails and learned how to use the firm's communication platforms and tools. On the substantive side, I learned how to work more efficiently under time pressure and sharpened my attention to detail, especially when reviewing contracts and conducting specific research. I also gained a better insight into interpreting clients' commercial needs through every task I completed. But beyond the legal work, I also developed the skill of navigating a professional office environment, such as knowing when to approach someone for a chat and how to balance being sociable with being respectful of people's time.

Everyone was genuinely collaborative and willing to give you time, even lawyers outside your own team. I never felt like I was bothering someone by asking a question. Every associate in my team had a strong friendship with the rest of the team and truly enjoyed working together. I never felt lonely or overwhelmed, as I constantly had people checking up on how I was feeling. It's a warm, welcoming place without the 'competitive' culture American law firms tend to be known for.

My experience confirmed everything I'd researched about the firm and more. The combination of real work, exposure to senior lawyers, and the freedom to explore my own interests made the two weeks feel genuinely valuable.

Yes

Firstly, and most obviously, I'd suggest doing thorough research to understand what makes Gibson Dunn different (e.g. its strength in both disputes and transactional work, the free market training system, and the growth trajectory of the London office). Secondly, build your commercial awareness so you can have well-reasoned debates on topical areas. And thirdly, try to meet people who work at the firm before you apply as this is the best lens into the firm (looking at the website only goes so far). For the application itself, be concise and personal, and let your genuine motivations (that are unique to you) come through. It's also worth applying early as the application is on a rolling basis (as of 2025/2026).