Winter Placement Scheme 2022 Review
at Stephenson Harwood
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law, Commercial Law, Corporate Law
London
Review Submitted: December 2022
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
The scheme involved 1 day in person and 4 virtual (due to rail disruption). As part of the scheme I was set a number of tasks including a research task, upon which I was given feedback. The scheme provided opportunities to learn about each of the practice groups through interactive presentations delivered by representatives of the practise groups. We also participated in a Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity session and many other insightful talks.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The placement scheme included a session which went into depth about the structure of the firm as a business and the roles available. It also touched on the opportunities for career progression and typical career routes. We were also given the opportunity to learn more about individual practice groups that we could choose to train in. Overall, this experience was really useful in developing my understanding of the business and the roles available.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I learnt about legal research including useful tools to use and how to keep my research sufficiently narrow but high level when required. I learnt a lot about the structure of a law firm and about the work done in practise groups at Stephenson Harwood. I also learnt the importance of creating a network around you and how to do so. Finally, I learnt more about the role of a trainee and how to thrive.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture and atmosphere was really welcoming from trainee to partner level. Many trainees were willing to sacrifice their time to talk to me about their practise area. Everyone who led a talk was really happy to answer questions and demonstrated the friendly environment at SH. Additionally, all the partners who led events on the assessment day were very supportive and friendly. Finally my supervisor and buddy were really supportive and helpful.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I think that the rail disruption was really well handled, as we were still able to see the office on the first day and meet everyone and other placement participants in person. I really enjoyed all the tasks that I was set in my practise area and the support that I was given to complete them. Finally all the sessions put on for us were really insightful.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid and reimbursed expenses
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Stephenson Harwood
5/5
Would you recommend Stephenson Harwood to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Stephenson Harwood
Make sure that you research the firm before applying as they have a unique culture and practise areas. Take the time to prepare for things like the interview and written case study to give yourself the best chance of gaining a place. If you are fortunate enough to gain an experience with SH make the most of all the opportunities presented to you by talking to as many people as possible and asking questions.
