Summer placements
Lasting 4 weeks over the summer period, our placement scheme is principally designed to provide law undergraduates with a chance to learn more about a potential career in Semple Fraser. You will work beside solicitors and trainees getting exposure to real client matters. This placement will also give you a chance to demonstrate to us your suitability for a training contract with the firm. It's your opportunity to get a really good and firsthand feel for what it's like to work in a major commercial law firm and to ask questions of colleagues about their experiences and career.
Summer Placement features
- Three schemes throughout the summer period.
- Four weeks’ duration split between two service areas.
- You will be assigned a mentor in each service area.
- Structured around a tailored training programme.
So what's it really like?
From a student perspective, here's what some of our 2007 summer students have to say about their experience at Semple Fraser...
Hollie Dilasser, University of Dundee
"I have recently spent four fantastic weeks with Semple Fraser under their ‘Summer Placement’ scheme.
To be honest, when the time came to apply for a summer placement, I was not relishing the prospect. I thought that the whole application process was going to be slightly daunting and the idea of ‘selling myself’ to large law firms, filled me with dread. I was pleasantly surprised with Semple Fraser’s application form which was straightforward and did not appear to try and ‘trick’ the candidate.
I was thrilled to find out that I had an interview and set about researching the firm and polishing my interview technique. The interview itself was quite informal and friendly and it really came across that they were looking to try and get to know you.
I was ecstatic to find out that I had a placement with the firm and this summer spent two weeks in Construction and two weeks in Commercial Property. My favourite part of each ‘seat’ was the variety and responsibility of the work I was given. The staff in both seats were friendly and motivated to show me the nature of their work and what it involved. I was never made to feel like a third year student and as a result learned a lot more than what I could have done if the placement was not of such a practical nature.
Overall, I met some brilliant people in a firm that felt suited to me. The ambitions, and work ethic of the staff reflect my own and that is why I cannot wait to begin my traineeship in Construction with Semple Fraser in 2009."
Iain McClure, Edinburgh University
My summer placement at Semple Fraser was an invaluable experience that has helped me significantly with my continuing studies and understanding of the legal profession and its practice.
I was located in the Edinburgh office, situated on George Street, and spent time in two departments: Banking and Finance and Commercial Property. We also had several meetings in the firm’s Glasgow office that gave us an insight into both office environments. I found working in the Edinburgh office to have a very inclusive atmosphere. Every effort was made to involve all of the summer students in the working environment and social events held during our time there. The people working in the office were very helpful and I regularly received one to one advice from trainees, associates and partners as well as regular seminars that were useful in my broader understanding of a career in the legal profession.
Semple Fraser is a very welcoming, friendly and professional firm that encouraged me greatly in pursuing a legal career. My experience on the summer programme was also a huge incentive for me to apply for a traineeship with the firm, and I am looking forward to commencing my traineeship in Banking & Finance with the firm in September 2009.
Apply now for 2008 summer placements
The deadline for 2008 summer placement applications has now passed. Details on how to apply for a summer placement commencing 2009 will be posted on the website towards the end of the year.