Sarah Herniman is a history graduate due to start her training contract with RPC this September. She took part in the firm’s vacation scheme in June 2018.
Insider report RPC
What did you do while on the scheme? I sat with the general liability and medical insurance and IP departments. We were allocated a trainee buddy and supervisor who set us work and checked up to see how things were going. In the general liability and medical department, I wrote a letter to a client in which I outlined the claim and presented our defence. In IP, I did a research note that was used by partners for an industry-wide talk – it was a lot of responsibility. I also wrote a blog post for each department and went to court to watch an initial trial. I shadowed a court clerk and went to the Royal Courts of Justice. Outside of office work, we were given a tour of the Lloyds’ building as RPC has a big insurance practice. There were networking sessions with partners and associates and information talks from partners from the Insurance and commercial sides of the firm. These talks were supplemented by speed networking sessions with trainees from all different practice areas, which gave us a good insight into different parts of the firm. Social events included mini golf and a meal out overlooking the Thames. At the end of the scheme the trainees independently organised drinks, which was indicative of how welcoming and friendly they were. What did you feel that you gained from the placement? An insight into the firm and its culture. I had done previous vacation schemes so knew the kind of work that solicitors do, but I learnt how open and approachable RPC is. Even in the lift, people asked me how I was getting on and if I needed any help. There is a real supportive culture in the firm. At the end of each week we sat down with our supervisors and went through what we had done well and what we could improve on, totally dispelling the myth that supervisors are there just to judge you! Which were the most enjoyable – and most challenging – aspects of the scheme? I really enjoyed the departments I worked in. Medical practice is an area of law I find very interesting and I got to learn about complex areas of medical law. The most challenging aspect was throwing myself into the office environment. Every office system works different, so it could be intimidating to learn basic things like how to work a printer in a new place. Did the scheme end with a training contract interview or some other kind of further recruitment process? There was an interview with a member of the recruitment team and a partner in which we were asked about our experiences on the scheme and impressions of the firm. The firm put a lot of emphasis on the work we did throughout the scheme as well. Is there one key thing that you took away from the experience that you would pass on as advice to others? Make the most of the opportunity. It’s such a good way to learn about the firm and being a solicitor, so talk to as many people as you can. I asked several colleagues to go for coffee so I could find out about their work, the type of clients they work with and their experience at the firm. Ultimately the scheme is for you to experience the firm and people are there to answer your questions.
No of scheme places 24 Location of schemes London Length of schemes 2 weeks Remuneration (per week) £400 Dates of schemes Summer: June 2020 July 2020 Closing date for applications 17 January 2020 Application procedure Recruitment for our summer schemes usually takes place in either January or February. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to one of our assessment days during which they will meet our existing trainees, associates, legal directors and partners For full contact information and details of Training Contract, see the firm’s full entry in the main directory on p415
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