Vacation scheme Review

The insight provided a realistic introduction to how a commercial law firm operates, particularly within a transactional and client-focused environment. It gave me exposure not only to the legal work itself, but also to how different teams collaborate to deliver practical solutions for clients.
On a day-to-day basis, my time was split between research, drafting, and attending meetings or calls. I was regularly set research tasks where I had to investigate legal issues and present my findings in a clear, client-friendly way, often through written emails. This helped me understand how important it is to translate complex legal concepts into practical advice.
I was also involved in drafting tasks, which required attention to detail and an understanding of how legal documents are structured. Alongside this, I made a conscious effort to get involved in real work by reaching out to associates, which led to me attending client calls. These were particularly valuable, as they showed how legal advice is delivered in practice and how lawyers balance legal risk with the client’s commercial objectives.
In addition, there were opportunities to attend workshops, network with trainees and partners, and gain insight into different practice areas. This helped me build a broader understanding of the firm’s work and culture.
Overall, the experience was hands-on and varied, combining technical legal work with exposure to client interaction and teamwork.

Understanding the business and the range of roles available was one of the most useful parts of the insight. It helped me see that a law firm is not just about giving legal advice, but about running a commercial business that supports clients across different industries.
Through talks, workshops, and conversations with trainees and associates, I gained a clearer picture of how different practice areas operate and how they link together. For example, I saw how teams like real estate, corporate, and finance often work on the same transaction but from different angles, which highlighted how collaborative the work is.
It also helped me understand the variety of roles within the firm. Speaking to trainees gave me a realistic view of what day-to-day life looks like, including the level of responsibility you can take on early and how your role develops over time. I also became more aware of the wider business functions, such as legal tech and innovation teams, which play an important role in how services are delivered.
Overall, it made the career path feel much clearer and more tangible. Rather than just having a general idea of being a commercial lawyer, I now have a better understanding of where I might fit within a firm and the type of work that suits my strengths and interests.

Yes, I developed a number of practical skills and strengthened existing ones during the insight.
One key skill I improved was legal research. At the start, I was approaching research quite broadly, which was time-consuming. Over time, I became more targeted in how I used resources, focusing on finding the most relevant and reliable sources quickly. This made my work more efficient and improved the quality of my answers.
I also developed my written communication skills. I regularly had to present my findings in a clear and concise way, often through emails. This helped me focus on translating technical legal points into advice that a client could easily understand, which is a crucial skill in practice.
In addition, I strengthened my confidence and communication skills by speaking to associates and asking to get involved in work. This led to opportunities such as attending client calls, where I was able to observe how lawyers communicate with clients and tailor their advice.
Finally, I improved my attention to detail through drafting tasks, where small errors could have a significant impact. Overall, the experience helped me become more efficient, confident, and commercially aware in my approach to legal work.

The company culture felt very open, supportive, and genuinely collaborative. From the start, people were approachable and willing to give their time, whether that was answering questions, explaining tasks, or just having informal conversations about their role.
What stood out most was how comfortable it felt to ask for help or get involved. I was encouraged to reach out to different people across the team, and those conversations never felt forced. Instead, they felt like a normal part of how the firm operates, which made it easier to build relationships and learn more about the work.
The atmosphere was professional but not overly formal. There was a clear focus on delivering high-quality work, but at the same time, people had a sense of humour and created a relaxed environment, which made the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.
I also noticed a strong sense of teamwork. Even on individual tasks, there was an emphasis on sharing ideas and supporting each other, especially when deadlines were tight. Overall, it felt like an environment where people are driven but also genuinely invested in helping each other succeed.

I really enjoyed the insight to a great extent. What made it particularly enjoyable was how hands-on and varied it was, rather than just being observational. Having the opportunity to work on real tasks, such as research and drafting, made the experience feel meaningful and allowed me to properly engage with the work.
I especially enjoyed the exposure to client interactions. Attending client calls was a highlight, as it gave me a clear understanding of how legal advice is delivered in practice and how lawyers balance legal risks with the client’s commercial objectives. That practical insight made the role feel much more tangible.
I also valued the people aspect of the experience. Everyone was approachable and willing to share their experiences, which made it easier to ask questions and learn more about the firm. The combination of structured sessions and informal conversations meant I was constantly learning, without it feeling overwhelming.
Overall, I enjoyed it a lot because it confirmed my interest in commercial law and gave me a realistic and engaging insight into what the role actually involves on a day-to-day basis.

Yes

One key piece of advice would be to really understand what makes Dentons LLP different and make that personal to you. The firm places a strong emphasis on innovation and doing things differently, so it’s important to show not just that you know this, but that you’ve seen or experienced something similar yourself, whether that’s through work, study, or a personal project.
Secondly, be proactive. During the application process and especially on the scheme, showing initiative makes a big difference. Reach out to people, ask questions, and look for opportunities to get involved in real work. That’s how you get the most out of the experience and stand out.
Another tip is to focus on clear communication. Whether it’s written answers or interviews, keep your points simple and structured. Being able to explain things clearly is just as important as having good ideas.
Finally, be yourself. The firm values people who can collaborate and build relationships, so let your personality come through. Strong candidates aren’t just technically capable, they’re also people others would enjoy working with.
Overall, it’s about being prepared, proactive, and genuine in how you present your interest in the firm.