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

The vacation scheme began with an induction session on the first morning, which helped me understand the structure of the week ahead. The week included departmental work and group activities. A standout element was the negotiation exercise, where participants took on roles such as opposing parties, their legal representatives and a mediator. My advice is to try to speak up and engage thoughtfully with others' perspectives!

In terms of departmental work, tasks initially focused on building a foundational understanding of the matters at hand. These introductory pieces allowed me to familiarise myself with the relevant legal issues and commercial context. As the week progressed, the work became more substantive, including drafting advice notes and carrying out research that contributed directly to client communications.

Were you required to use AI on the vacation scheme? If yes, how did you find this?

We weren’t required to use AI; however, Walker Morris actively encourages it and we had access to AI tools on the vacation scheme. The most helpful tool was the Lexis+ built-in AI assistant Protégé. It directed me to practice notes for research tasks and provided me with analysis on how this impacts clients. It’s important to check the results of AI as it can sometimes be inaccurate or take a perspective that isn't relevant to your research task.

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

Experiencing Walker Morris in person highlighted just how deeply embedded collaboration is in the firm’s day-to-day work. While this is often referenced in firm materials, seeing it in practice made it far more evident. Every piece of work involved meaningful cooperation – ideas were openly shared, perspectives actively encouraged, constructive feedback was granted and colleagues built on one another’s thinking.

Trainees and associates got me involved in engaging, high-quality work that pushed me to develop. This demonstrated that Walker Morris truly lives its ‘Two heads are better than one’ ethos.

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

Walker Morris’ vacation scheme hugely supported my application for a training contract. It gave me the ability to be assessed as an individual based on my performance over a week, as well as my work ethic and personality, rather than being assessed through a two-hour assessment centre. A week after the vacation scheme, we were told whether we’d been accepted, rejected or offered a partner interview so the firm could get to know us better.

In the event that you’re not successful, the Walker Morris vacation scheme is still valuable and looks great on further applications. Unsuccessful candidates are offered the opportunity to receive feedback from the week, providing helpful insight and demonstrating the value Walker Morris places on supporting candidates’ development.

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

Being enthusiastic and open-minded from the get-go makes a difference in how others respond to you and shows how interested you are in the firm! I made sure to introduce myself from day one and continued to do so throughout the week when members of the department I hadn't previously met came into the office. Organising coffees and learning about the various experiences of people at Walker Morris or their journeys to law in general helps maintain a good conversation flow that feels natural and engaging.

Walker Morris celebrates individuality, so be yourself and try to foster personal connections with those you’re interacting with. I found that asking questions following a talk or discussion is a great way to show your curiosity and eagerness to learn.

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

Paralegal experience was a big factor in my journey to becoming a lawyer. You naturally become integrated in understanding how real-world events can shape the direction of law firms and the work they pick up. While it grants you practical experience of how law firms work, it also massively increases your confidence in an office environment.