How was the scheme structured and how did your work change over time?

The Cooley (UK) LLP spring vacation scheme lasts two weeks and you sit in one team for both (I was in products). There are loads of workshops and events to introduce you to the firm, including talks on pro bono, marketing and business development, an insight into the litigation process, presentations on the firm’s practice areas and a breakfast with the Women’s Affinity group.

My work gave me a very comprehensive introduction to Cooley’s products team. I drafted a client email advising on the sale of live animals in the UK, wrote product warnings, helped prepare a presentation slide on EU cosmetics regulations and researched fixed recoverable costs in a contentious situation.

There were three assessments: we wrote a client email for a partner, prepared a witness statement (after an interview) and gave a group presentation.

Finally, there’s lots of socialising! We had a partner dinner, an immersive gaming experience with the trainees (involving a surprising amount of cardio) and a farewell lunch.

Which were the most enjoyable – and most challenging – aspects of the scheme?

Most enjoyable would be meeting so many friendly people. It’s a close-knit environment; people will recognise you and come say hello. I really enjoyed my daily chats with my supervisor. I felt sitting in one department was beneficial for my development and she got to see my growth over the course of the two weeks. It reinforced that Cooley is very people-oriented and supportive.

Most challenging was learning to stop comparing myself to others. There were times where I worried about my workload – is it too much or too little? I learnt that the approach that works for one person may not be for you. Support and lean on your fellow interns. It’s a competitive process, but you’re all in this together!

What’s one thing you learnt about the firm during the scheme that you couldn’t have learned from research alone?

One thing I learnt during the scheme that I couldn’t from research alone is how easy it is to make a tangible difference as an individual. Nothing is stationary at Cooley. If you have an idea or an interest, the firm will listen and see how far they can help you take it. As spring interns, we saw this firsthand. We all explored work we were interested in outside of our practice areas by being proactive. For example, I did some pro bono work. Cooley is very entrepreneurial, as evidenced by its client base, so it’s a place where showing initiative is heavily encouraged.

What skills did you develop during the scheme and when did you notice yourself using them?

One main skill I developed was managing my capacity. It’s tempting to say yes to every piece of work, but you need to balance competing priorities without compromising on quality. On one occasion, I had to say no to a task because I didn’t have capacity and I learnt that it’s not about doing everything, it’s about taking pride in the work you do take on.

Another big one was developing my teamwork skills and confidence, which I really noticed during the final group presentation. That meant engaging with my audience, building upon what my teammates were saying and not being afraid to acknowledge that I didn’t know the answer to a question.

How can students stand out during group tasks or assessments on the scheme?

My advice is not to stress about ‘standing out’ and remember that you’re a team! Get to know your teammates, ensure that everyone has the chance to demonstrate their strengths, including yourself, and be aware of anyone struggling to have their voice heard. Never be afraid to take the lead.

For example, you can suggest a presentation structure or volunteer to keep track of time. It’s also important to actively listen to your teammates during the task or assessment itself and actually build upon their ideas. Most importantly – be yourself!