What work did you get involved with on the vacation scheme?

The Osborne Clarke vacation scheme is two weeks long and each week you sit with a different legal team. I sat with corporate and projects, both of which I had expressed an interest in experiencing. I was pleasantly surprised by the range of tasks and how much responsibility we were given to do real client work. Over the two weeks, I had the opportunity to:

• shadow a senior associate;
• join client calls, including a meeting about an exciting pro bono project;
• take notes in team-wide meetings;
• draft ancillary documents;
• conduct research; and
• prepare reports for a range of individuals.

My trainee buddies were great at checking in and ensuring I was experiencing work in my areas of interest. For example, although I was keen to do some due diligence work while working with the corporate team, there was no 'live' work in that area available. However, my trainee buddy went out of her way to prepare some related tasks based on a previous matter she’d worked on to help me learn more and gain the experience that I was looking for. This demonstrated how supportive the firm is and how much it emphasises learning and development.

What was it about the firm that attracted you to apply to its scheme?

I’d previously attended a presentation hosted by Osborne Clarke and was drawn to its supportive culture and bespoke training programme, future focus and sector-based approach. The firm’s strengths in technology and renewable energy also stood out to me when applying, and my trainee buddies ensured that I got involved in work in these areas.

Did your attendance on the scheme support your application for a training contract?

When you attend the vacation scheme, you’re automatically considered for a training contract and you're assessed throughout the scheme. Along with feedback from individuals that you worked with, the scheme also involves a group exercise with a written component during the first week, and a presentation and training contract interview at the end. I found that, after participating in the vacation scheme, I was even more motivated to pursue a training contract at the firm. The scheme was a good opportunity to see the elements that initially attracted me to the firm play out in a real work situation and to immerse myself in the friendly and inclusive culture that the firm is known for.

What key skills are required to have a successful experience on the vacation scheme?

In my experience, problem solving, teamwork and genuine enthusiasm were all very important to being successful on the Osborne Clarke vacation scheme. As vacation schemes involve work that you’re unlikely to have experienced before, being an effective problem solver is useful. This is also something that you’ll carry forward into a training contract setting, where you’ll be learning new skills and undertaking new tasks.

Not only is it important that you work well in a team setting, but it’s also critical that you communicate with your assigned trainee buddies. There’s a lot that goes on throughout the day on a vacation scheme, and excellent communication highlights your ability to work well with others.

I also think it’s important that you’re genuinely interested in the firm.  The recruitment team looks for individuals who want to get involved with the firm’s work and clients, and who want to learn more about the wider firm and integrate themselves into the firm’s community.

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

It’s daunting entering a law firm for the first time and being tasked with work that you may not have come across before, but remember that you’re not expected to know everything. Think critically and be confident in yourself and your abilities. I found that a big part of my ability to complete complex work was having the confidence to try, and also ask questions when I needed to. This allowed me to remain level-headed when tackling tasks that I’d had no prior experience with.

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

Don’t hesitate to reach out to people at the firm – trainees and partners are all happy to take time to help you learn more about the firm and the work that they do. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming. I found that reaching out to associates was beneficial beyond networking, as having coffee chats led to them assigning me interesting work that I might not have done otherwise.

During the vacation scheme, you’re also not limited to speaking only with those who work in the legal teams that you sit with. I’d recommend contacting lawyers in other areas that you’re interested in, as this is a great opportunity to learn even more about the various work on offer at the firm.