ADD ADVICE TO FAVEmma, Easter vacation scheme at CMS Cameron McKenna
Name: Emma Woollard
Degree: Law, University of Sheffield (graduate)
Duration of work experience: Two weeks
Employer: CMS Cameron McKenna
Department: Insurance / Pensions
1. What did you do to get this work-experience opportunity?
First I had to submit an application form and take a verbal-reasoning test online. Then I was invited to attend an assessment day which comprised a ten-minute presentation, a 20-minute competency based interview and a group exercise.
2. What sort of projects did you work on?
While working in the Insurance department I attended an insurance case being tried at the Royal Courts of Justice. I set up the trial bundles for the case and then observed the opening submissions and cross examination of the key witness.
In addition to this I was asked to undertake a couple of pieces of research, one for the case and another on an area of law that my supervisor needed to clarify.
I also went on a tour of Lloyds of London to see first hand how the insurance market does business.
During my week in Pensions I helped prepare a number of mediation bundles, and located and pulled out sensitive information from documents that were being forwarded to a client.
’Much of the experience I gained was by observing solicitors at work.’
I also attended a meeting with the Pensions partner during which we met with three trustees of the pension fund of an oil company that was being taken over. We had to decide together how we were going to protect the pension fund after the takeover. In the afternoon we visited the offices of the equity firm buying the company in order to negotiate an agreement.
3. How much were you able to contribute?
When visiting court, apart from carrying trial bundles and setting up, I was purely there as an observer.
Much of the experience I gained during my vacation scheme was by observing solicitors at work. However, the work I did do had a purpose. I did not feel that I was being given tasks just to keep me occupied.
4. What did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed the day that I spent in meetings formulating a plan for a negotiation session, and then watching the negotiations between the client and the opposition take place. It was extremely exciting and really brought to life the work that a solicitor does and its effect on a client.
I also enjoyed the great atmosphere of the firm. Everyone always had five minutes to have a chat – even the partners – which really made you feel relaxed and welcome.
’It really brought to life the work that a solicitor does and its effect on a client.’
5. What did you enjoy the least?
This is really a hard question because my time at CMS Cameron McKenna was so enjoyable. I suppose if I had to pick one thing it would be having to come to work the morning after the firm had taken you out!
6. What is the most important thing you learned?
CMS Cameron McKenna gave some excellent presentations about commercial awareness and client focus. Seeing how important these things are in practice was very helpful and gave me a lot to talk about during my interview.
Most importantly I became aware of how important it is to build relationships with those you work with as well as clients.
’I became aware of how important it is to build relationships.’
7. Has your choice of career changed as a result of your period of work experience?
I knew that I wanted to become a solicitor before I started my vacation scheme and my two weeks here has only affirmed my decision.
I would strongly recommend that every law student does a vacation scheme as it is a great way of finding out whether you really want to be a solicitor. The law in practice is completely different to reading cases at university, and the best way to find out about the profession is to see it from an insider’s point of view.
