Insider report Shoosmiths
University of Leeds graduate Fiona Thornton completed Shoosmiths’ virtual vacation scheme in June 2021.
No of scheme places 40
What did you do while on the virtual vacation scheme? We were given a schedule packed full of talks showcasing various practice areas, practical workshops, and assignments that emulated trainee tasks, including an ongoing project throughout the scheme. We were assigned a trainee buddy and an associate, who doubled as our project mentor, and our office’s training principal oversaw assignments. Outside of these activities, there were ample opportunities to network with trainees and other vacation schemers and even a virtual escape room! What did you feel that you gained from the placement? I gained an insight into the work of a commercial law firm and the role of a trainee solicitor. Given that we couldn’t physically be in the office, I thought that grasping the firm’s culture and what aspects of that make life as a Shoosmiths’ trainee unique would be difficult. However, at Shoosmiths, their people live and breathe their values, and these shone through both the vast array of people we met from the firm and the focus of the work we undertook – even virtually! Finally, from start to finish, I felt challenged, valued and excited. By the end of the scheme, I had gained the confidence to say that both this career and firm are the right fit for me. Which were the most enjoyable – and most challenging – aspects of the virtual scheme? The individual project was both my most enjoyable and challenging aspect of the scheme. We had to devise and then pitch a business development activity that was strategically aligned to the firmwide COP26 campaign. I enjoyed researching my topic, especially reaching out to specialists at the firm to develop my expertise. With a busy schedule and a need to balance other tasks, the challenge came in the limited time we had to prepare before pitching to our project mentor and local office training principal. However, after changing my mindset to view this as an exciting opportunity to showcase my research skills, creativity, commercial mindset and personality to the firm, this element became a highlight for me. Did the scheme end with a training contract interview or some other kind of further recruitment process? The placement is an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability to the firm, and they take this into consideration ahead of sending invites to their assessment centres for training contracts. Some of the tasks you undertake resemble those you will be given at the assessment centre. So, use the feedback you’re given to understand where you performed well and where you can improve to give yourself the best chance of securing a training contract! Is there one key thing that you took away from the experience that you would pass on as advice to others? At Shoosmiths, everyone is extremely willing to volunteer their time to support you and ensure that you get the most out of the experience. Don’t let the virtual element stop you from taking advantage of that. I followed up after talks, approached my project mentor with clear pre-prepared questions, and contacted my trainee buddy in advance to organise a coffee meeting. Despite not being in the office, these actions enabled me to establish a great network during my time at the firm and beyond! So be proactive, friendly and put effort into building those relationships; this will show your enthusiasm, enable you to really understand the values that drive Shoosmiths’ strategy and ultimately help you to maximise the opportunity.
Location of schemes Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Reading, Solent
Length of schemes 1 week
Remuneration (per week) £310 (2021 rate)
Dates of schemes June 2022
Closing date for applications 28 February 2022
Application procedure Apply online at www.shoosmiths.co.uk For full contact information and details of Training Contract, see the firm’s full entry in the main directory on p361
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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