Summer Vacation Schemer Review

I spent two weeks as a vacation schemer in June at Winston Taylor's London office. Day-to-day tasks involved panels and workshops (known as "Focus-On" sessions) that the the firm's Early Talent Team coordinated for us, alongside our daily tasks delegated by the respective teams I was sat in across the two weeks. On top of this, vacation schemers also took part in socials such as the London Legal Walk, bowling organised by the trainees and networking panels the firm organised internally.

Working at the firm for two weeks was integral in helping me learn about how the firm functions on the inside not just in terms of the type of work done (through speaking to lawyers and asking trainees), but also the internal structure of staff roles ranging from not just the legal side but also to i.e. IT, Document Specialists, Administrative work etc, enabling me to really appreciate how the firm's success is driven by multiple factors.

I was assigned work by the two departments I sat in across the two weeks, ranging from drafting tasks to researching - so I got to experience a good variety of work not just in terms of substance and topic but also form, which greatly benefitted both in helping develop my technical legal knowledge as well as skillset, particularly in drafting and formatting documents.
Research always teaches you something knew, not just academically but also in terms of learning how to navigate research tools like Westlaw/PracticalLaw/Lexis+. WT was particularly keen on teaching vacation schemers how to use their internal AI tools like Legora and Litium which I find aids my development in the long run, given the current context of using AI as work tools.

Off the bat from the first day, we were warmly welcomed by the receptionists and Early Talent Team. The induction on the first day was essential in helping us navigate the workplace regarding IT, regulations and even had an ice-breaker organised by the team.
Events and socials were also a part of the vacation scheme, such as taking part in the annual London Legal walk where we got to mingle with other firms, a bowling social organised by trainees and other various in-firm panels and networking events. These were useful in getting to know others outside of our own respective departments as well.
Within departments, the hot-desking system worked very well e.g. anyone can sit with each other. I was able to sit with a couple partners on a few days which really emphasised the non-hierachial culture the firm has, also making it easier for vacation schemers in feeling comfortable enough to ask questions.

I really enjoyed this vacation scheme! These two weeks blew past really fast and I'm glad I spent it here with Winston Taylor and would do it again.

Yes

Get started on the application form earlier and really put more thought into the various answers as the form has quite a few questions!