Vacation Scheme Intern Review

During my time at the firm, my work was primarily focused on transactional and commercial matters.
My responsibilities included assisting with legal research, supporting the preparation of materials, and completing tasks assigned by fee earners within the team. I also had the opportunity to attend meetings and observe how matters are managed in a live client-facing environment, which provided valuable insight into the practical workings of a commercial practice.
Overall, the experience provided a clear understanding of the day-to-day work within a commercial law firm and strengthened my appreciation of the analytical, detail-oriented, and client-focused nature of the work undertaken at Dentons.

Gaining an understanding of the business and the range of potential roles available at the firm was a highly insightful aspect of the vacation scheme. It provided a clearer picture of how a large international law firm such as Dentons operates across different practice areas and jurisdictions, and how each function contributes to delivering comprehensive client solutions.
Through exposure to lawyers at various levels of seniority and across different teams, I developed a better appreciation of the breadth of career pathways within the firm, from trainee solicitor roles through to partnership and specialist practice roles. It was particularly valuable to see how individuals’ careers had evolved and the different opportunities available for progression and specialisation.
Overall, the experience helped me to better understand not only the structure of the business but also the variety of roles and career trajectories available within commercial law. It significantly enhanced my awareness of how different teams interact and reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in this environment.

Throughout the vacation scheme, I developed a range of both technical and professional skills. In particular, I strengthened my legal research and analytical abilities through completing tasks that required identifying relevant legal principles, synthesising information efficiently, and applying it to practical scenarios. This improved my ability to approach unfamiliar issues in a structured and methodical manner.
I also developed my communication skills, both in terms of articulating my thinking clearly in discussions and asking considered questions in a professional environment. Working collaboratively with other interns and engaging with lawyers across the firm further enhanced my ability to contribute effectively in team settings.
In addition, I improved my commercial awareness by gaining a deeper understanding of how legal advice is shaped by clients’ business objectives and broader market considerations. Overall, the scheme significantly strengthened my confidence and reinforced key skills required for a career in commercial law.

The company culture at Dentons was exceptionally welcoming, professional, and collaborative. From the outset, there was a strong emphasis on inclusivity and ensuring that vacation scheme participants felt integrated into the day-to-day life of the firm. Colleagues at all levels were approachable and generous with their time, which created an environment in which it was easy to ask questions, seek guidance, and engage meaningfully with the work.
The general atmosphere was both dynamic and supportive. While there was a clear focus on delivering high-quality client work, there was also a strong sense of openness and collegiality across teams. I particularly appreciated the willingness of lawyers to share their experiences and involve interns in discussions, which made the experience feel both immersive and instructive.
Overall, the culture fostered a positive balance between professionalism and approachability, and it reinforced my understanding of Dentons as a firm that values collaboration, development, and genuine engagement with its people.

I found the insight gained through the vacation scheme to be extremely valuable and highly enjoyable. It provided a comprehensive and realistic understanding of life at a commercial law firm, allowing me to observe both the technical aspects of legal work and the broader commercial context in which it operates.
The opportunity to engage directly with lawyers across different practice areas, participate in workshops, and contribute to tasks helped make the experience both engaging and meaningful. In particular, the exposure to real client work and the collaborative nature of the environment made the insight feel practical rather than theoretical.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found it both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding. It significantly strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in commercial law and confirmed my enthusiasm for the type of work undertaken at Dentons.

Yes

I would advise future applicants to focus on demonstrating genuine commercial awareness and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with unfamiliar issues, rather than focusing on producing “perfect” answers. It is important to show a logical thought process and to ask insightful questions where appropriate. In addition, I would encourage candidates to make full use of networking opportunities, as they provide valuable insight into both the firm and its culture.