BEST WORK PLACEMENT SCHEME – CITY FIRM
another in a way that you can’t by simply relying on what they say about themselves on their website.” As well as the firm getting to sell itself to prospective trainees, vac schemes provide aspiring lawyers with the opportunity to make an impression in a way that a covering letter and CV – no matter how impressive – just cannot. “Doing a vac scheme undoubtedly helps the recruitment process, on both sides,” explains Anthony. “It enables an applicant to speak with authority during the interview about why they want to work at your firm specifically.” Once you have cleared the first hurdle of getting onto the vacation scheme of your choice, how do you ensure that you make your mark? “I think the best thing you can do is go out of your way to meet as many people as possible,” considers Rebecca. “There are normally three schemes every year at the firm, which means that you are one of perhaps 30 students, so you want to be remembered – and in a good light!” As well as being outgoing and personable, Rebecca urges vac schemers to push themselves: “Even if you don’t understand exactly what’s being asked of you, it’s important you give it a stab.” “When the vac schemers arrive nobody expects them to be good at the law,” confirms Paul. “What I look for is a willingness to get stuck in.” Anthony has what is, on the face of it, a very simple request: “The best thing you can do to impress is to be normal! I know that’s very difficult when you’re junior and desperately trying to impress, but if you can relax while still being diligent you will make a great impression.” So, while the benefits of participating in a vacation scheme – or four – are clear, what makes Farrer’s stand out? “Our scheme
gives the best exposure to what the firm actually does, the quality of the training and trainees,” Paul maintains. “I think Farrer is unrivalled in the quality of the breadth of work that we do and it’s hard to appreciate that without being here.” Without spending time at the firm it would be all too easy to underestimate the work it does, Anthony agrees: “There is probably a presumption that we are more of a private client firm than a corporate/commercial firm, however we have a fantastic reputation for both and more than half of our firm is devoted to the latter. You might like that or you might not, but you won’t know if you don’t try it out.” This diversity of practice areas was one of the first things that stood out for Rebecca while she was on her placement – that and the friendliness and warmth afforded her and her fellow vac schemers. Described by clients as a “likeable bunch”, the lawyers at Farrer go out of their way to make their vac schemers feel welcome. Not only does the senior partner hold an introductory session for the students – offering them an insight into the firm and her role in it – but there are also various informal social events designed to encourage vac schemers to mingle with senior legal staff. Rebecca confirms that there are numerous opportunities to interact with individuals at all levels: “It depends to some degree on when your vac scheme is, but I took part in the firm’s annual firm-wide football match, attended lunches and went on a night out during my two-week placement. The current vac schemers took part in the firm’s cricket match last week, then they have the football match and a night out next week – so they’re being kept busy!” As well as a full social calendar, vac schemers have plenty of work to get on with during their time
Our scheme gives the best exposure to
what the firm actually does, the quality of the training and trainees
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Best in Law 2017
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