"This vacation scheme provided me with the opportunity to broaden my commercial awareness and knowledge on the issues facing law firms today. Over the three days, there were a variety of guest speakers, both solicitors and barristers, and all of which were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and inspiring individuals."
My name is Amber, and I am currently in the final year of my law degree with USW. Along with hundreds of other law students across the UK, I recently completed the Legal Cheek virtual vacation scheme. I found out about this fantastic opportunity through LinkedIn, a tool that I believe to be extremely important and useful, as a law student. Once I had seen the advertisement, I clicked on the link and completed a short and easy application process. The vacation scheme was set out over three consecutive days, which included plenty of gaps which allow you to continue completing any other tasks in between sessions. I found that this was a great opportunity, because as a virtual placement, it was easily accessible to all. Due to covid-19 many law students have found that it has been difficult to gain relevant insight and work experience, within the law sector. However, through this virtual vacation scheme, I was able to access it from the comfort of my own home and still found it to be an invaluable and insightful experience.
This vacation scheme provided me with the opportunity to broaden my commercial awareness and knowledge on the issues facing law firms today. Over the three days, there were a variety of guest speakers, both solicitors and barristers, and all of which were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and inspiring individuals. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing everyone’s individual journey’s, regarding how they ended up where they are today. Alongside the variety of presentations and workshops, we were also given three case studies to complete, as well as the opportunity to speed network with other attendees and guest speakers. The vacation scheme covered areas such as dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions and legal tech. Through covering different legal areas, I found myself considering areas of law that I had not previously given much thought to.
Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity, and I would really encourage those who are aiming for, or interested in a legal career, to apply to this vacation scheme at the next opportunity. Not only do you receive a certificate of participation after completion, but you expand your knowledge on a variety of legal areas and have the chance to make lots of new connections, meeting other LLB students and getting to hear a real insight from those who are already in the legal profession.