Which seats should I choose for my spring vacation scheme

[Senior Partner]

Dear Ten Percent,

I've been offered (and have accepted) a place on Herbert Smith's Spring vacation scheme. They've asked me to give my seat preferences for the scheme (two seats for one week each) and I'm wondering how to go about choosing these. There are a few work areas on the list which I am already more familiar with because of my studies and previous experience, so I know I would feel more comfortable in those departments and would probably be able to leave a better impression.

At the same time, I feel like I should use this opportunity to find out about some of the bigger areas that the firm works in (the departments I'm familiar with are quite specialised) and of course just to try something new. However, I would probably not be very well at ease in those departments.

In addition, the situational judgment test that the firm has on its website includes a question which relates exactly to the issue of choosing between work in a familiar area and a new area that will require extra research but from which you will learn more. Their preferred answer to that question is that you would go for the unfamiliar work.

How would you suggest I choose my preferences? Should I go for two completely new areas that are big areas of work in the firm so that I get to know them, should I stay on the safe side and choose only the departments that I'm familiar with, or should I go for one of each?

Many thanks!

[Senior Partner]

Perhaps the Herbert Smith graduate recruitment manager will correct me if I am wrong, but I dont think it matters too much.

I suspect the best longer term career approach would be to have a look and see where all the NQ solicitor vacancies are this year and look at those departments for your seats. It is important to get good quality work experience that is relevant to the firms you plan to apply for training contracts with.

If you choose really specialist areas, although I am not sure there are any particularly at Herbert Smith, this can make a difference to your chances of training contract success at a later stage. However the effect will be fairly minimal. The fact that you have been accepted onto the vacation scheme is great news and the seats you cover will not be as important....