Written by an Eversheds Sutherland vacation scheme student, this blog offers a firsthand insight into their experience, from the work they undertook to what they learned during their time at the firm.
My First Week at Eversheds Sutherland
Coming into my first week of the vacation scheme at Eversheds Sutherland, I was excited but also apprehensive. Like many aspiring solicitors, I worried about whether I would be able to contribute meaningfully, whether I would ask the right questions, and whether I would be trusted with real work. Looking back after my first week, I can honestly say those worries disappeared much quicker than I expected.
I spent my first week in the Planning team and one of the biggest surprises was just how quickly I became involved in live client matters. From researching planning case law and legislative developments to analysing section 106 agreements and preparing research notes for Partners and Associates, I was trusted with work that genuinely contributed to ongoing matters. Every task felt purposeful and gave me valuable insight into the breadth of work undertaken by the team.
What has stood out even more than the quality of the work has been the people. Everyone in the Planning team has been approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in making the experience worthwhile. Although everyone has busy workloads, as you would expect in a commercial law firm, they have always made time to explain the wider context behind a task, offer guidance and simply check in to see how things were going. That support has made a huge difference in helping me build confidence throughout the week.
It has also been something I have experienced beyond the Planning team. Whether meeting colleagues at firm-wide events, grabbing a coffee or simply chatting around the office, everyone has been incredibly welcoming and willing to share their experiences. The firm's collaborative culture is something you notice very quickly. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to invest in my development and make me feel so welcome during my first week.
One of the biggest lessons I have taken away from this week is the importance of being proactive. Initially, I was conscious that everyone around me had demanding workloads, so I was hesitant to let people know when I had capacity for more work. I quickly realised, however, that taking the initiative is one of the best ways to make the most of a vacation scheme. By volunteering for new tasks, asking questions and actively seeking feedback, I gained far more exposure than I had expected. It showed me that enthusiasm and initiative are genuinely appreciated, and that some of the best learning opportunities come from simply putting yourself forward.
Another thing that has stood out throughout the week is the importance of understanding the commercial context behind every piece of work. While each task involved analysing the legal issues, taking the time to understand why the issue mattered to the client made the work far more engaging and reinforced how commercial lawyers add value beyond simply applying the law. Seeing how legal advice fits within a client's wider commercial objectives has been one of the most valuable aspects of the week and has strengthened my understanding of what it means to be a trusted adviser.
Reflecting on the week, my biggest takeaway is how quickly those initial nerves were replaced by confidence. I realised that I did not need to have all the answers from day one. What mattered far more was approaching every task with enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn. The responsibility I was given, combined with the support and encouragement from everyone around me, made this first week an incredibly rewarding experience and has only reinforced my excitement about pursuing a career in commercial law.
Next week I will be moving into the Finance team, which will be a completely different experience from Planning, and I am looking forward to seeing another side of the firm's work. If my first week has taught me anything, it is that the best way to approach a vacation scheme is to embrace every opportunity, ask plenty of questions and never be afraid to get involved.
