What did a day on the vacation scheme look like?

No two days were the same during the two weeks on the scheme. There were organised sessions including practice area talks, presentations from different affinity groups and social events. Some days were less scheduled than others, but the good thing about this was that you got the opportunity to personalise your experience and immerse yourself in the firm in other ways. 

Each week you sit in a different practice area, but there’s plenty of opportunity to work outside of your designated practice area. There are also two timed assessments and one task that you’re given to complete throughout the two weeks. These tasks have a legal element, but you’re given all the materials and resources you need to complete them. 

Was the vacation scheme what you expected? Did the vacation scheme live up to your expectation?

The vacation scheme exceeded all of my expectations. Not only was I completing valuable work that was being used in different client capacities, but I also never felt like an outsider. I was invited to attend virtual court hearings and team meetings, and encouraged to ask questions and voice any of my thoughts. 

Although a vacation scheme is essentially a long interview, I never felt that I was being thrown into an obstacle course. The general consensus among everyone I met was that they wanted me to succeed and enjoy my time at Morrison Foerster (MoFo).

What’s the most important thing you learn about the firm while on the scheme?

The firm has a very collegiate nature that’s morphed into a unique culture distinctive to MoFo. Cross‑departmental relationships are encouraged at the firm, and it’s very common for various practice areas to work together on matters. I felt that culture isn’t just a buzzword at MoFo; the firm prides itself on its renowned culture, which would benefit anyone seeking to build or further their career at a US law firm.

How did the scheme help you to understand the firm better as a business? 

One of the scheduled sessions we had was a Q&A with the firm’s London and US management teams. This was very informative as it gave a broader perspective of the firm’s long-term goals and the factors that go into making strategic decisions. Equally, the opportunity to have open conversations with my supervisor about billable hours and their attainment was essential. 

What’s one piece of advice you’d pass on to future vacation schemers?

One piece of advice I’d give future vacation schemers is something a member of MoFo’s attorney recruitment team said to us on the first day of the scheme – to simply ‘run your own race’. This stayed with me throughout the scheme, primarily when I felt overwhelmed or that I wasn’t doing enough. This advice is key as it’s tempting to compare yourself to other people on the scheme.

You’ll have many opportunities to show your best qualities during the scheme, but it’s also important to remember to enjoy the experience. Think about how you want to approach the scheme and what you want to get out of it; don’t get too caught up on anyone else’s approach.

Do you have any advice about networking while on the vacation scheme?

It’s important to use the social events organised by the firm throughout the vacation scheme to network, as that’ll help you to meet a wider range of people. Outside of organised networking events, try to reach out to those who interviewed you for a catch-up, as you’ve already met them and have some common ground to start from. Also, make sure you utilise your buddy; they’re best placed to advise you on who to speak with if you want to network within a particular practice area.