Insider report Gowling WLG
Adam Bolton took part in the vacation scheme at Gowling WLG in Spring 2019. He is going into the third year of his law degree at the University of Birmingham.
No of scheme places 40 Location of schemes Birmingham London Length of schemes
What did you do while on the vacation scheme? We were asked which department we would like to work in a month or so before the scheme started and I was fortunate to be given my first choice – corporate. On the week I joined the team, they were working on an important deal and all hands were on deck as completion was due the following week. This meant that every piece of work I was given was meaningful and to do with the deal, so it was an accurate reflection of what I would be doing as a trainee – there was no photocopying! It was obviously vital to get each task right in that situation, so I was guided by members of the team who worked on things together with me. I was also sat next to a senior partner, so the level of support was outstanding. We joined the current trainees’ training sessions and had meetings with the four practice group leaders, as well as the chief operating officer, Andrew Edginton – the opportunity to ask them questions gave me a fantastic overview of Gowling’s work areas and overall strategy for the firm. There were lots of opportunities to socialise, including an escape room and leaving drinks on the office balcony at the end of the scheme. What did you feel that you gained from the placement? When I was researching firms to apply to for a training contract, a lot of them were very keen to talk about their great culture without going into specifics. In contrast, Gowling was clear in its values – teamwork, approachability and innovation. Meeting people on the scheme, both junior and senior, confirmed to me that the firm really is built on those principles and I knew that I wanted to be part of that. Which were the most enjoyable - and most challenging - aspects of the scheme? It was very enjoyable to get to know everyone at the firm and the other vacation schemers at the three social events held during the week. A real sense of teamwork developed as those of us on the scheme met most lunchtimes to compare notes and talk about the work we were doing. As a second-year student, the fast-paced nature of working in the corporate team was definitely a challenge, but as I mentioned earlier, the support was excellent and it made for a hugely valuable experience. Did the scheme end with a training contract interview or some other kind of further recruitment process? The vacation scheme ended on a Friday and there was a half-day assessment centre the following Tuesday – although I had also been in on the Monday to take part in a charity event. Throughout the assessment centre and the partner interview at the end, the other candidates and I were made to feel relaxed and it was all about enabling us to flourish and show ourselves at our best. Is there one key thing that you took away from the experience that you would pass on as advice to others? Do not see it as a competition with your fellow vac schemers – this is key. At Gowling, the emphasis is on teamwork and collaboration, so get to know the other candidates and help each other out.
Spring: 1 week
Summer: 2 weeks
Remuneration (per week) London £369.25 per week Birmingham £315 per week Dates of schemes Spring 2020 Summer 2020 Closing date for applications 31 January 2020 Application procedure Application form, online behaviour based
assessment, video interview, immersive assessment day
For full contact information and details of Training Contract, see the firm’s full entry in the main directory on p346
Remember to cite The LawCareers.Net Handbook on your application form if you apply to this law firm.
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WORK EXPERIENCE
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