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

I got involved with a variety of work, mainly in the employment department where I completed two tasks. Firstly, I did some research work on a real task, which was a salary sacrifice arrangement for someone at Shoosmiths. I also completed a due diligence task, which is a very common training task. I went through the files, making sure everything was in order and nothing was red flagged. That was the core of my practical work but we also spent a lot of time completing a variety of webinars. The webinars gave me a real insight into the work Shoosmiths does – I was able to understand more about the different sectors the firm operates within, how business development works at the firm and what activities and networks are available.

How did the DISCOVER scheme end?

The DISCOVER placement is slightly different to a normal vacation scheme as it’s aimed at applicants that fit one of the diversity requirements. I was on the scheme as a socially mobile candidate. Instead of recruiting at the end of the programme, there’s a mini assessment day to get onto the assessment centre with the direct applicants. For the mini assessment centre, I had to propose a relationship event for general counsel that would help grow the business. I suggested a simple networking and information event in Scotland where the Donoghue v Stevenson case occurred. I presented my proposal to the training principals for 10 minutes and answered some questions. There was also an informal interview where I was asked about what I’d learnt during the week, what I enjoyed and why I was interested in a career in law at Shoosmiths. I also had the opportunity to ask questions, which was useful going into the main assessment centre.

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

I believe there's a good chance I wouldn’t have been successful in securing a training contract if I’d applied directly. A lot of the experiences I referenced in my interview were from the DISCOVER scheme. For example, I outlined how I’d demonstrated key skills during the week and spoke about practical things I’d learnt. When it came to my interview, which was the biggest part of the assessment centre, the partner that interviewed me was from the team I sat in. While I didn’t know her personally, I was able to reference the work I’d done in that seat confidently. My experience on the placement helped me to really understand the work the firm does and the technology it uses. This meant that at the assessment centre I could show why my skills are the perfect fit for Shoosmiths specifically, which ensured that my answers were tailored and not generic.

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

I found the webinars incredibly useful as they gave me insight that isn’t available online. We learnt about how Shoosmiths uses AI, legal technology, data and analytics to give personalised and tailored solutions for clients.

We also completed a project about general counsel and the business development side of the law firm. This was something I had very little knowledge of going into the scheme. I’d never previously thought about how much work would come from in-house counsel. It was very valuable to research the networking side of the business.

What advice would you give to people taking part in the DISCOVER scheme in the future?

My main piece of advice is to not box yourself into your desk. Of course, you’re on a vacation scheme because you want to get a taste of legal work and find out whether it's right for you. However, to understand the business, you need to get away from your desk, approach people and network as much as you can. Networking is an important skill to build. Speaking to a variety of people at the firm improved my understanding of how the wider law firm operates as a business.  While it can be nerve wracking to walk up to people, at Shoosmiths everyone was happy to give you the time. I was very surprised by how approachable everyone was –  you've just got to have the confidence to put yourself out there.

What do you think made your application to the DISCOVER placement successful?

My application was successful because I tailored my answers specifically to me. At a prior unsuccessful assessment centre, I was advised that I’d hit all the right buzzwords but that I didn't explain why they matter to me. For example, AI is a core buzzword, especially at Shoosmiths, but you need to ensure your answers explain why you’re passionate or interested in AI.