Insider report Mayer Brown International LLP
Lawgraduate Cail Wyn Evans undertook Mayer Brown’s vacation scheme last spring and will join the firmas a trainee in 2021.
No of scheme places 30
What did you do while on the scheme? On the first day we were given a tour of the office by the trainees and introduced to partners around the firm, as well as the IT system. I sat in the finance department for the first week. My supervising partner had just come back from a trip abroad and was very busy, but despite this, we spent an hour talking about the department, what his work involved and my knowledge of the law. That was very beneficial and gave me the confidence to complete the research tasks he gave me, including an interesting piece on emerging markets finance. During my second week in the corporate department, I produced a research note on the corporate environmental requirements for a client. I also worked on a private equity deal alongside Mayer Brown’s Paris office which involved a number of jurisdictions. We later visited the Paris office to find out how it operates – that was definitely a highlight. I also really enjoyed listening to a famous external speaker who came to the office to speak about the importance of resilience – that really demonstrated to me the firm’s culture. What did you feel that you gained from the placement? Having completed a vacation scheme at another firm, I was lucky to have some context to my time at Mayer Brown. That was very important in my assessment on whether I could see myself working and beginning my career as a trainee at Mayer Brown. Knowing what a trainee does is one thing, but knowing what a trainee does specifically at Mayer Brown is another. By the end of the scheme, I knew that the high level of interaction with clients and excellent support from partners that Mayer Brown offered was best for my development as a lawyer. Which were the most enjoyable – and most challenging – aspects of the scheme? What I most liked at Mayer Brown was the team unity. I sat with a trainee in the finance department and there was a strong team spirit as we worked on the same project. On an occasion when it was necessary to stay late to complete a task, that team bond is what made the experience so enjoyable. On the other side, it can be quite daunting when you are set a task. Remembering all the details and necessary questions to ask is very important. I always carried a notepad and pen and would recommend asking all your questions when the task is being set, as that’s most efficient for the partner’s and your time. Did the scheme end with a training contract interview or some other kind of further recruitment process? There was a 15-minute interview at the end of the scheme which was a chance for the firm and I to reflect on my performance and what I had gained during the two weeks. I was offered a training contract shortly afterwards. Is there one key thing that you took away from the experience that you would pass on as advice to others? Have the confidence to be the best version of yourself. It can be difficult when you’re in a high pressure and unfamiliar environment, but being comfortable in yourself is essential to producing the best quality work and making the best possible impression. Once you are comfortable in the environment, you’re able to make the most of the experience and transparently assess whether you are a match with a firm.
Location of schemes London
Length of schemes 2 weeks
Remuneration (per week) £275
Dates of schemes Spring 2020 Summer 2020 Closing date for applications 31 January 2020
Application procedure Online
For full contact information and details of Training Contract, see the firm’s full entry in the main directory on p360
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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