Insider report Gateley Legal
DrewWilson undertook Gateley Legal’s virtual vacation scheme in June 2021. She will start her training contract with the firm in 2023.
No of scheme places 60
What did you dowhile on the vacation scheme? Our week was jam-packed! I was in a different department daily, which gaveme a broad overviewof the type of work the firm is involved in. I worked in the corporate, banking and finance, restructuring and insolvency, and construction units. I drafted a sale and purchase agreement (SPA), boardminutes, an advisory note on collateral warranties and third-party rights, a letter before action, and a licence to occupy. I also reviewed a letter of intent, the statutory books of a company and registered a charge. I attended unit overview talks with the commercial dispute resolution, regulatory and business defence, tax, intellectual property, commerce and technology, employment, pensions, private client, residential development, and real estate dispute resolution departments. I emailed the speakers andwas delighted that most responded to organise a follow-up call. What did you feel that you gained from the placement? The talk with the trainees helpedme to understand how invested the firm is in developing its talent as the firm supported its trainees before and during their training contract. Trainees were also given opportunities to undertake a client secondment, despite the limitations of covid-19. In addition, I learnt the extent of the firm’s commitment to thewider community. Before the vacation scheme, I was aware that each officemade donations to a local charity. I also learnt that the firmwas committed to supporting small businesses through its collaborationwith STEAMhouse incubator. As a native of Birmingham, I was drawn to Gateley’s dedication to developing the city both commercially and socially. Which were the most enjoyable – and most challenging – aspects of the scheme? The collegiate culture was undeniable. During the virtual vacation scheme, the inviting atmosphere was felt through the screen. I felt welcomed by everymember of the firm. Themost challenging aspect was completing the work to deadlines. Each day, we were given a task to complete by the end of the day, but throughout the day we had numerous talks to attend. I remained organised to complete all the designated work on time. It gaveme a taster of what life as a trainee would be like, which was exhilarating. Did the scheme endwith a training contract interviewor some other kind of further recruitment process? The scheme endedwith a training contract interview, where I was asked amixture of firm-specific, commercial awareness, competency and situational interview questions. Is there one key thing that you took away from the experience that youwould pass on as advice to others? Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I can be shy at times, however, I was determined tomake a good impression, so I really pushedmyself out of my comfort zone. After each talk, I emailed the speaker(s) to get a better understanding of each department and enquired about a follow-up call. Not everyone said yes but I took the opportunity to ask asmany questions as possible to those whowere available. Themore people I spoke to, the better I understood the firmand themore comfortable I became talking to others. If you really want something, youmust go out of your way to get it.
Location of schemes Belfast, Birmingham, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading
Length of schemes 2 weeks
Remuneration (per week) £300
Dates of schemes June 2022 July 2022 Closing date for applications 24 January 2022
Application procedure Online application, interactive assessment, assessment centre, vacation scheme, training contract offer. For full contact information and details of Training Contract, see the firm’s full entry in the main directory on p292
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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