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Was your summer placement
challenging?
Absolutely, once I proved myself
capable of small tasks, I was handed ones which
were a lot tougher.
Was your summer placement
enjoyable?
Very much, both intellectually
and socially. With respect to the latter, I think
it speaks well for McGrigor’s screening process
that the five of us in our vacation scheme got on
very well and are still in touch. We were looked
after brilliantly by the trainees, HR team, and
partners – several partners even took the time
out of their schedules to take us to lunch on the
last day. In the office itself, most of the solicitors
and trainees were extremely helpful and supportive;
I never felt uncomfortable asking questions. Intellectually,
especially with research projects, I really felt
all my mental powers were being called upon and
that was an aspect I really enjoyed.
Was your summer placement
relevant?
Yes, the solicitors and trainees
always explained clearly how my small piece of work,
often supplementing the work of the trainees, fitted
into the larger scale of the client's project. In
this way not only did I get a proper insight into
the types of deals I might one day be involved in
but I also came to understand some of the tasks
that I would be called upon to perform as a trainee.
How well did your summer
placement meet your expectations?
I was nervous about being pitted
against my fellow vacation scheme students and I
was worried about being asked to do filing for three
weeks. Neither of these occurred and I learnt an
incredible amount whilst having fun – the scheme
more than exceeded my expectations.
Overall, what was the best
thing about your summer placement - why?
Certainly the people. All those
involved in the hospitality did a wonderful job
and never for one moment made us vacation scheme
students feel that we were a burden to them. We
were included as though we were part of the team.
Overall, what was the worst thing
about your summer placement - why?
The most difficult problem for
me on the scheme was that I could only sit in two
departments during my time at McGrigors. I had wanted
to see and experience them all!
What happened after your
summer placement ended? i.e. how quickly were you
made an offer?
I had a masters dissertation
to finish and McGrigors were more than accommodating
to this fact. I was offered an interview on the
last day of my scheme and the date was brought forward
so that it did not clash with me handing in the
dissertation. After the interview, I was made an
offer the next day – I certainly was not left
hanging for an answer. I felt incredibly chuffed
at the Firm's willingness to make allowances
for my situation.
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