Summer VAC

[jamie_cooper]

On monday i start a summer vacation scheme in a established local firm. They are highly regards on many legal related sites so i want to impress.
Just wondering if there are any tips!, i know this gets asked time and time again, but i just want to clarify do's and dont's really.

Am i best reading up on the law?, ive not really studies employment or environmental law so should i go to the library and swot up?

what will i need to take with me! please state the obvious as well!.

Thanks in Advance!

[carpediem]

Learn how to use the photocopier! That's probably best tip anyone can give you. Seriously though, most places won't really expect you to know much, I seriously doubt they'll have you giving legal advice to client's on your first day!

Firms know that you'll be nervious and won't have much practical experience so they won't expect much. They often run Vac schemes to help people get into law rather than actually expecting to get much out of you. Think of it as them trying to help you, rather than you being productive for them.

Best thing you can really do is be polite, and don't be afraid to ask if ur unsure. We once had someone in and asked them to do loads of filing, they didn't realise that the filing system was by Surname rather than client no. so ended up filing hundreds of files in the wrong place, took ages to sort it all out!

[jamie_cooper]

Oh dear!, I seriously need to avoid anything like that happening. I'm quite a practical guy though so hopefully can avoid that.

Apparantly the trainee's run the scheme, so presumably they'll know what im going through etc.

I've just drove past the building! i didnt realise it was so big! im seriously getting itchy with nerves now!.

[marcpiano]

Depends on what intake you're on and the trainee who supervises you.

I've unofficially supervised a couple. From a few pointed initial questions, I gauge fairly early on what their level of competency is. Then I give them tasks that they can handle. So some get document review and photocopying, whilst others get CPR and caselaw research with explanatory memos. Depending on timing, which normally never works out, they can come to a hearing or two. That said, each one who's shared an office with me and I've given work to so far hasn't had anything particularly exciting, thanks to workload...

The ones who really show no interest whatsoever are soon forgotten. The ones who stick in your mind for all the right reasons get favourable comments passed onto their supervisors.

Certainly don't expect to be liaising with clients. You may likely be given tasks that make the life of the supervisor easier but which won't land them in the shit if you screw it up.

Do understand that any office LOVES gossip, and vac schemes students are a particularly good source, especially when it comes to what they get up to on both the official and unofficial drinks occasions...

Here's what NOT do to - story 1

[Chris101]

My experience, based on three vac schemes, is that you'll get a mixture of menial work which is easy but dull and more challenging stuff which you really have no idea what your doing. My advice is to do the easy stuff accurately and throughly (without moaning - sounds obvious but some vac schemers I've come across seem to think its below them which I can only assume dosen't go down well) and give the difficult tasks your best effort and be prepared to explain why you've done things in a certain way.

Generally, don't be afriad to ask lots of questions as this shows your interested. Be polite at all times and be enthusiastic without being annoyingly so.

Best of luck!