Day in the Life
Grace Oyegbile, Trainee Solicitor
Real Insights
The structure of the summer Vacation Scheme at V&E provides students with real insights into the life of a Trainee Solicitor at the firm. Two to four students join for one-week placements, which provide greater exposure to the firm and opportunities for building personal relationships. At the start of the week, I was assigned a Trainee buddy who introduced me to everyone around the office and helped me understand the day-to-day role of a Trainee. Having a familiar face around the office was great as I felt I could ask all of my questions.
Vacation Scheme Summer 2018, Training Contract 2020 - 2022 During the final year of my law degree, I struggled to find a firm that would not only offer me the high quality training I desired,
but also reflect the values that are important to me. For my Vacation Scheme, I chose Vinson & Elkins because of its approach to training and the size of the firm’s Trainee intake. I also met V&E Trainees prior to applying and received an excellent endorsement on the culture.
Real Work
During my Vacation Scheme experience, I participated in real client work, including conducting research for a client, drafting memos, and amending documents. I also sat with a partner in Energy Transactions/Projects, including on various client calls, and observed how knowledgeable the partner was about their client’s business. The non-rotational structure meant that to get work, I was encouraged to interact with other lawyers, knocking on doors and offering my help. This gave me the opportunity to complete work in different practices across the firm. As a woman from a black ethnic background, it was important to me that the firm I selected not only had a diverse culture, but also an inclusive one. Throughout my experience at V&E, I have felt at ease, and I’m able to be myself. Everyone is approachable, making time to explain things and offering their support, getting to know everyone rather quickly, including through social events.
V&E gave me the independence to shape the Training Contract how I wanted, and it means you hit the ground running as a newly qualified lawyer.
– V&E Associate, Chambers Student 2020
Now, as a Trainee, my Vacation Scheme experience is proving to be invaluable as I begin my career!
6
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online