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Vacation scheme do's and don'ts

There is plenty of sensible advice on legal sites. I would also suggest asking friends who may have experienced placements before. In my experience, a lot depends on the firm and the department. Certainly dressing smartly should go without saying, as does demonstrating a genuine interest in the legal work being done. Talking to partners should also go down well - you can learn a lot, and they may remember you. Focus on doing good work efficiently, look for extra work if you have capacity, and try to show your personality as well (judge what to show from those you work with!). Drink alcohol if others do, but in moderation. Join in with social events too - you need to show yourself someone the firm's trainees and associates would value working with. Try not to display stress, despite placements often seeming like long interviews. Also, try to demonstrate "commercial awareness," i.e. an understanding of how the legal work will tie into the client's commercial interests. Simply and understanding of the law by itself may not be sufficient to impress enough to be offered a training contract. Hope this helps a little vac schemes are tough, tiring, but the rewards should easily be worth the hard work - don't ease off!

22-Mar-2012

11:32 am