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

The Gateley Legal vacation scheme was structured over four days and provided a good balance of practical work, insight sessions and networking opportunities. Throughout the week, we attended online presentations from different offices, took part in training sessions, social events and interviews, while also completing legal research and case-related tasks within our allocated teams.

As the scheme progressed, my responsibilities became more involved. Initially, I spent time getting to know the team, understanding the type of work they undertake and familiarising myself with the firm's systems and processes. As I became more comfortable, I was given more substantive research tasks and had greater opportunities to contribute to discussions. The final day culminated in a group presentation, allowing us to apply the skills that we’d learned throughout the week and work collaboratively to present our ideas on a specific topic.

Walk us through a specific day on the scheme – what were you working on, who with and what did you contribute?

One of the most memorable days of the scheme was the final day, when I worked with another vacation scheme student to deliver an AI-based presentation. We split the presentation equally, dividing the research and preparation between us before bringing our ideas together into a clear and cohesive presentation. Throughout the process, we discussed our findings, refined the structure and supported each other to ensure we delivered a balanced presentation.

My contribution involved researching my allocated section, helping to shape the overall structure and confidently presenting my part. Working as a pair meant we had to communicate effectively, manage our time and ensure our ideas complemented one another.

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 have gained from researching Gateley was how approachable and collaborative the culture is in practice. Everyone, from trainees to partners, was genuinely willing to answer questions, explain their work and involve us in discussions. Rather than observing, I felt encouraged to contribute and ask questions, which made the experience much more engaging.

Seeing how colleagues worked together across different teams also gave me a better understanding of Gateley's culture. It reinforced that, while delivering high-quality legal advice is a priority, there’s also a strong emphasis on teamwork, supporting one another and building lasting client relationships. Experiencing this firsthand made a much greater impression than anything I could have read on the firm's website.

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

The scheme helped me develop several skills, particularly legal research, communication, teamwork and commercial thinking. I completed research tasks that required me to identify relevant information efficiently and present my findings in a clear and practical way. This reinforced the importance of tailoring legal research to answer the client's specific question rather than simply finding the law.

I also noticed my communication and teamwork skills developing as I worked closely with another vacation scheme student on our final presentation. We had to divide responsibilities, discuss our ideas and ensure our presentation was well organised and delivered confidently. By the end of the scheme, I felt more confident asking questions, contributing to discussions with the team and adapting to different tasks, which made me realise how much I’d developed over the course of the week.

What approach to networking worked best for you during the scheme?

The approach that worked best for me was being confident enough to introduce myself and start conversations with people. Rather than waiting to be approached, I made an effort to speak to trainees, associates and partners whenever there was an opportunity. I found that asking genuine questions about their career paths, the work they do and their experiences at Gateley led to more meaningful conversations than trying to focus solely on making an impression.

I also tried to speak to people from a range of departments rather than limiting myself to the teams I was sitting with. This helped me broaden my understanding of Gateley and expand my network across different practice areas. Overall, I learnt that being approachable, curious and genuinely interested in others is the most effective way to build professional relationships.