In what ways did the scheme meet or differ from your expectations? 

The vacation scheme definitely met my expectations, particularly in how it reflected the firm’s image. Everything that I’d read and heard about Birketts LLP’ people-focused, friendly ethos was affirmed as soon as I entered the building. I instantly felt at home, making it far easier to settle and get to work over the first couple of days.

The scheme differed from my expectations in relation to the depth and breadth of work that I got stuck into. Before the vacation scheme, I was somewhat sceptical that three mini seats over two weeks could give me the opportunity to get a proper feel for the areas of law that I was working on. However, the attention to detail and care from my supervisors made it easy to ask any questions, and to really understand what it was like working at a top law firm.

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

I rotated through three mini seats in Birketts’ clean energy, property disputes and international private client teams. This gave me an incredibly varied experience working in three very different areas of law and provided many opportunities to really get involved at Birketts.

Sitting in on client calls provided me with a better understanding of the business and people-oriented aspects of law, and allowed me to learn the importance of knowing how to engage with different types of clients and meeting their needs. Compiling notes on complex areas of law and applying them to real life cases also helped me hone my research skills. However, the most valuable experience on the vacation scheme was the opportunity to attend a networking event with some firms Birketts had been working with. While the complementary scones were certainly appreciated, the event took me out of my comfort zone entirely and felt like an experience unique to this vacation scheme, further highlighting Birketts’ focus on personal development and providing a rich experience for its vacation schemers.

What key skills did you develop during the scheme?

During my time at Birketts, I developed a number of the key skills expected of a vacation schemer, including legal research, networking and time management. These were all extremely useful in growing personally. However, I believe the most important skill is the ability to both ask questions and really take in the answers that you’re given. The vacation scheme is as much an opportunity for you to learn about the firm as it’s for the firm to learn about you. That’s why it’s so important to ask any questions to ensure that by the end of the vacation scheme you’ve not only made clear your interest in the firm, but also ensured that it’s the type of place that you’d like to work in future.

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

The most important thing I learnt about Birketts on the vacation scheme was that it’s an ambitious firm that’s truly committed to achieving the goals that it sets out. Having just opened the Bristol office where I undertook the scheme, the firm isn’t just expanding but expanding with purpose and a key focus on sustainability. This was made clear through an activity on the scheme that outlined how Birketts was looking to achieve its environmental goals, and the progress it’s made in doing so. This was really important to me as it highlighted that the firm wasn’t just committed to setting goals, but also taking the right steps to achieving them. This truly solidified that it was the exact type of place I’d like to work in the future.

What do you think made your vacation scheme application successful?  

I think it’s difficult to come up with a specific template for a successful vacation scheme application, as I truly believe that it’s your personality that sets you aside from other applicants. It’s important to remember that most of the other applicants will also share a strong academic background and some legal work experience they can point towards (although don’t panic if you don’t – this was my first form of legal work experience). Therefore, you need to think of things you specifically can point towards to make the firm choose you.

In terms of my application, I looked to draw upon extracurriculars and maintain a professional but light-hearted tone to get my personality across. I think this is really important to stand out, especially given the prominence of AI, as the last thing you want is to give an answer that’s devoid of personal character.

In terms of the interview, there are some of the more common application questions that we’re all familiar with that’ll require research to answer well, but Birketts also throws a few curveballs that may at first seem unfamiliar. My best advice would be to really use these questions to get your own personal brand across and differentiate yourself, which will stand you in good stead in your hopes to progress to the vacation scheme.