What key skills are required to have a successful experience on the vacation scheme?

One of the tasks on the vacation scheme involves a group negotiation, so advocacy skills were key here. It’s important to make sure that you speak up but aren’t too overpowering. Encouraging some of the quieter members of the group to share their points demonstrates great people and listening skills in tasks like these. It was important during this task to not lose sight of the main points of debate to the lesser more trivial issues.

What’s one piece of advice you’d pass on to future vacation schemers?

Firstly, make sure you make the most of your week on the vacation scheme. A week flies by, so I’d encourage future vac schemers to arrange as many coffee chats and conversations as possible, and get yourself involved in as many calls as you can. This way you naturally have more to discuss when you come to the final interview.

Secondly, make sure you take note of the different tasks you’ve been given (both group and independent). Self-assess and write down any feedback as you go. A portion of my interview was based on how I felt the week had gone and how I felt I’d performed in group tasks compared to my peers. 

Finally, don’t forget that although you're there to be assessed, the people you're working with are also real people too! Part of working in any office is connecting with your colleagues not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level too.

Did the scheme end with a training contract interview?

Following the week-long vacation scheme, I was invited to return for a partner interview, which usually lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. Present at the interview were myself, a partner from the graduate recruitment team and a director who specialised in the area I’d expressed interest in through my initial application. Rather than focusing on my past achievements, the interview centered on engaging discussions about topical debates, like the importance of diversity, while drawing topics from both my application and current affairs.

What’s the firm’s office like?

Walker Morris' office is single site and employs more than 400 people located under one roof. The office is modern, spacious and open plan with all levels of the team sitting using the 'hot desk' approach.

The aptly named café, 'T's & C's’, is a great place to arrange a coffee with people from other departments and to spend your lunch break with colleagues. There’s also a huge outdoor courtyard with tables and chairs, which is used for summer events at the firm. Overall, it’s a really nice office environment right in the heart of Leeds' commercial district.

Other than attending a vacation scheme, what’s the most relevant experience you’ve had that’s benefited your journey to becoming a lawyer?

I’ve been a paralegal for just under a year now and the experience I’ve gained has undoubtedly played a role in my understanding of how firms work and what makes them tick. Gaining practical, real-world experience is invaluable, as it better equips you for engaging meaningfully during a week at any law firm.