What did you get involved with on the vacation scheme?

I was placed in the banking department for the week – Gateley Legal assigned everybody on the vacation scheme a buddy who delegated us tasks. In terms of the actual work, I drafted legal documents, conducted research and completed numerous due diligence tasks. I used Companies House frequently to check data and information. I found tasks like this quite enjoyable, as I’d never done anything like it before. The work was difficult at times, but I was able to ask questions and receive help when needed. I also picked up bits of work from other solicitors in the banking department. For example, I was given a task by a partner and was invited to attend a roundtable meeting with them. This experience allowed me to converse with a range of clients – some national and some international.

What are the most enjoyable and most challenging aspects of your vacation scheme?

I didn't know what to expect coming into the vacation scheme, so I was initially nervous. However, I enjoyed meeting the other vacation schemers, who came from a variety of different backgrounds. This helped me to feel more comfortable. I also appreciated how Gateley organised relaxed social and networking events throughout the week. These provided opportunities to speak to people in different departments and at different levels of their career. I gained insights into the legal profession and useful advice, helping me to expand my knowledge of what a legal career entails.

I enjoyed experiencing what life might be like as a solicitor at the firm if I was successful. The vacation scheme served as further motivation to impress the assessors, perform well and reaffirmed why I wanted to work at Gateley.

The lead up to the training contract interview and the interview itself was the most challenging aspect of the scheme. The interview was scheduled towards the end of the week, so it was constantly on my mind and really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Another learning curve during my week was figuring out the right balance between completing the set work to the best possible standard, while also making time to network and get a good insight into the business.

What's the most important thing that you learnt about the firm on the scheme?

Gateley is very supportive of its trainees. It's something you often read about, but until you spend time at a firm, you're never sure whether it’s truly put into practice – it was great for me to see how trainee support is implemented day to day. The firm also hosted a talk to discuss its development programme and the training available to all trainees. Additionally, there’s an open plan office layout at the firm that encourages communication and the chance to learn from people at all levels.

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

Yes, mainly because my week there gave me lots of genuine examples to draw on for my application, alongside experiences I’d previously gathered. Spending five days in the office completing the kinds of tasks Gateley looks for in applicants was an invaluable experience. Most importantly, the vacation scheme confirmed that Gateley was the right fit for me. I was able to see firsthand how approachable and supportive everyone was, so when it came to the interview I didn't feel like I needed to pretend to be someone else.

How can future vacation schemers ensure that they are actually able to get the most out of the scheme?

Firstly, make sure you're proactive and curious. Secondly, don’t put pressure on yourself to act like someone you think the firm wants to hire – if you’re offered the training contract, the firm will quickly get to know the real you. It’s important to make the most of the opportunity to speak to people at the firm – set up chats with trainees, newly qualified solicitors and even partners if you can. Everyone at Gateley was very generous with their time, so I got a lot out of those conversations.

Finally, it’s good to remember that the scheme is about deciding whether the firm is the right fit for you as well as whether you're right for the firm. Although you’re being assessed, they're also being assessed by you because you need to make sure it’s a place you genuinely want to be.