INSIGHTS DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT THOUGH…
Grace Oyegbile – Vacation Placement Student 2018, Future Trainee 2020
I completed my vacation scheme at Vinson & Elkins (V&E) in the summer of 2018. Before starting, I was a bit anxious and unsure about what to expect; however, I was immediately put at ease by the members of the firm who were friendly and genuinely interested in getting to know me.
The programme at V&E is truly a unique experience as they ensure that you gain a real insight into the workings of the firm right from the start. I was able to carry out useful research and drafting for clients and considerable effort was made to get me involved. The highlight of my week was sitting in on a client phone call with a partner, who took time to explain to me the background of the case before the call began. This allowed me to gain an awareness of the kind of issues faced by clients and the role I would play as a trainee in supporting my team. Finally, the people who work at V&E are what distinguish the firm from others. Not only are they experts at what they do; they are welcoming and always willing to help. During the week, I was also invited to various lunches and drinks and enjoyed socialising with different teams from around the firm. Before the end of the week, I could really see myself working at the firm and didn’t hesitate to accept my Training Contract offer.
Freddie Wright – Vacation Placement Student 2016, Trainee 2018 – 2020
I attended the vacation scheme with the firm in the summer of 2016. The scheme was unique in providing an accurate representation of what life as a V&E trainee would be like. Being one of only a few attendees increased my exposure to the firm’s work; I sought and completed work from several departments, not just the one in which I sat. I had previously read that the firm has a really welcoming and supportive culture, and the vacation scheme only confirmed this. Being welcomed by lunch with our trainee mentors sets up a fantastic support base for the rest of the week.
I am currently sitting in the second seat of my training contract, in the Complex Commercial
Litigation Team.
A typical day, although hard to define due to the variety of work, consists of reviewing documents received from the other party, proofing and amending documents produced by our team, and researching points of law to support a response to the other party. Particular highlights from my training contract so far include attending M&A negotiations in person, and assisting in the closing of a refinancing for a private equity client acting as lender. As the firm has a tailored intake, typically there will only be one trainee staffed per deal or case. This allows for greater exposure and responsibility from day one, but supported by associates and partners that care about your career development.
“The Open Day was extremely enjoyable. It succeeded in providing me with a true picture of what it would be like to work in Vinson & Elkins’ London office. …”
— Anonymous, Open Day Attendee
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