The Beck Fitzgerald VAC Scheme took place over a period of four weeks over the summer.  The role is very client-facing, involving speaking with clients who needed the firms help both face to face and over the phone. This improved both my confidence and my client care skills. It was something that I had not had a great deal of experience with previously but the training we received in how to look after vulnerable clients and how to communicate effectively really helped.

The level of responsibility could have felt daunting, but it was such a supportive environment with both a ‘buddy ‘ and a full-time supervisor for each person on the scheme. Everyone was incredibly approachable and wanted to help you learn. We were primarily assisting the ‘Emergency Steps Team’ secure protection orders for survivors of domestic abuse. I found the whole experience incredibly rewarding from start to finish.

I was given the opportunity to attend court with a barrister to clerk a hearing. I was able to engage with the client and counsel enabling me to learn more about the court process and experience.

Most of all I was impressed with the culture at Beck Fitzgerald, everyone really cared about helping you to succeed and learn. No question was too silly, and nothing felt like too much trouble to ask. I made some really good friends, and I particularly enjoyed some of the social events I took part in, including Wednesday morning Pilates classes, and a few trips to the pub too(!).

Everyone I met on the vacation scheme was so supportive and happy to help with any questions; the friendly work environment made me feel comfortable and part of the team!  

By sitting in on client meetings and working on live cases at the coal face, I was able to gain a better understanding of the skills and qualities a family law firm is seeking and what they mean in practice.  I experienced first-hand the important campaigning that Beck Fitzgerald place themselves at the forefront of for victims of domestic abuse amongst many other things. 

Staff wellbeing at Beck Fitzgerald is taken seriously and all members of staff enjoy socialising together, be it an arranged event like a sports day, a table tennis tournament or just a get together for a drink after work; and as a bonus I have also made some great friends along the way.

The vacation scheme was such a great opportunity and allowed me to showcase my skills which led to me being offered a training contract.