Ex-magic circle trainee Dominic Webb explains how to make the most of a vacation scheme

It's easy to see vac schemes as a bit of a jolly. A few weeks of being wined and dined, meeting lots of new people, and generally taking the positives from life in a law firm without really having to do any of the hard grind. But for those who are wise enough, they can and should be much more than that.

If you're embarking on a vac scheme this summer, allow me a moment to impart a few words of (questionable) wisdom. First, if you're really interested in finding out what it's like, HR aren't going to tell you. The trainees that they wheel out at drinks events probably won't tell you either, unless they've had a few too many. Partners certainly won't tell you – in fact, many partners don't have their eyes open enough to have a clue what it's like for their juniors anyway.

No, if you really want to know what it's like, then look beyond the marketing to the real people around you, particularly the trainees and junior associates away from the HR glare. Do they look happy in their jobs? A bit tired? Utterly drained? Unbearably stressed? Or maybe they're bored?

And what are the trainees actually doing with their time? After all, that'll be you. They might tell you how important they feel managing part of a big deal themselves, but does that actually involve sitting in a room sorting through dozens of folders from morning til night?

There is a huge amount to be gained from going on a vac scheme. Naturally, many vac schemers will see it as a chance to impress a prospective employer, particularly given the current market, and this is undoubtedly true. But it is also an unparalleled opportunity to see if the firm, and indeed the law, is really for you.

With hindsight, I got a bit carried away with the glamour during my vac scheme. The barrage of socialising and free drinks, the facilities, the big money deals, the London living – it was all pretty exciting for a student not used to any of those things. Looking back, the supervisor I sat with was overworked and miserable. Somehow I didn't seem to notice at the time.

Not that noticing would have changed my decision to apply. But for those less sure of what they want, or with other options, it's a lesson worth bearing in mind. Keep an open mind and those eyes peeled.

Another thing you might not be aware of is that departments within the same firm, particularly at the big firms, can vary enormously. The differences in ethos can be like being in entirely different organisations. Indeed, your experience in real estate is unlikely to square with what others are seeing in a big transactional department. So talk not only to the people in your department, but to your fellow vac schemers.

And above all, it's worth remembering that a lot of law firms are going through some real turmoil at the moment. People are worried about their jobs and colleagues have been laid off, while loads of people have virtually nothing to do. In short, now is a pretty unusual time to be visiting a law firm. Perhaps ask the lawyers not just what it's like to work there at the moment, but what it was like in the years of plenty. Hopefully, by the time today's vac schemers are starting their training contracts, the good – if hard-working – times will be back.

Lastly, despite all of what I've said, do remember to try and have some fun. Making the most of your vac scheme should not and does not prevent that. Those drinks are free, you know…

Dominic Webb (name changed) is a solicitor at a private client firm

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