Insider report RPC
Jessica Pease attended a vacation scheme at RPC in June 2019. She studied lawat The University of theWest of England –UWEBristol.
No of scheme places 24
What did you do while on the scheme? I spent one week in an insurance team and one in a commercial team, which helped me to gain exposure to both sides of RPC. In each team I was allocated a supervisor who checked in to ensure I was doing a variety of work. In my first week I sat with the property and casualty team and conducted research into a case which counsel raised to us, and considered how this could impact on our client’s case. I also sat in a conference call with counsel and reviewed an insurance policy to identify whether any of the exceptions in the policy would affect our client. In my second week I sat with the IP and technology team and helped with the preparation of documentation for a mediation, sat in on client calls, prepared attendance notes and drafted correspondence, which was sent to clients. RPC conducts workshops about the insurance and commercial departments, as well as speed networking sessions with a trainee and associate from each team, and networking lunches, which are great opportunities to ask questions to people of varying levels of seniority. There were also social activities, including an escape room and pizza making. The trainees and graduate recruitment team organised social drinks at the end of each week too. What did you feel that you gained from the placement? I gained an insight into RPC’s friendly and supportive culture, the work that the trainees do and RPC’s expectations of its trainees – aspects of the firm that you cannot gain from simply reading about the firm online. I had coffee meetings with my supervisors, associates and trainees from the teams that I was placed in who were interested to see how I was getting on and wanted to answer any questions I had. This reiterated how approachable and supportive everyone is. Which were the most enjoyable – and most challenging – aspects of the scheme? The most enjoyable part was knowing that I was doing real work for real clients, so I felt as though I was contributing to the work that RPC does. I also enjoyed bonding with my cohort as we all went through the experience together – it was nice to have that support network. The most challenging aspect was balancing the various expectations and organising the work because you have only five days in each department, and there are also various networking events and workshops to attend. Did the scheme end with a training contract interview or some other kind of further recruitment process? On the last day I had an interview with a member of graduate recruitment and a partner, which focused on my experiences over the two weeks, what I learnt and how I would apply this as a trainee. I was offered my training contract shortly after the scheme. Is there one key thing that you took away from the experience that you would pass on as advice to others? It is a two-way experience, and it is what you make it. It is as much an opportunity for you to learn about the firm as it is for the firm to decide whether you are a good fit for them so make the most of every opportunity, speak to as many people as possible, ask questions and be enthusiastic.
Location of schemes London
Length of schemes 2 weeks
Remuneration (per week) £400
Dates of schemes Summer:
June 2021 July 2021
Closing date for applications 17 January 2021
Application procedure Recruitment for our summer schemes usually takes place in either January or February. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to one of our assessment days during which they will meet our existing trainees, associates, legal directors and partners
Our assessment days can be run virtually
For full contact information and details of Training Contract, see the firm’s full entry in the main directory on p387
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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