Ellis Jones Vacation Scheme – Banking and Finance

The following blog is from a vacation student who joined us in the Summer of 2019 and is describing his experience with Ellis Jones.

Following successful application, I was fortunate to have secured a two-week vacation scheme with the award-winning law
firm, Ellis Jones. I was placed within the specialist Banking and Finance Team, a sub-division of the wider Dispute Resolution Department.

My couple of weeks at the firm consisted of extensive, interactive training which introduced the firm’s system and operational controls management, compliance protocols and processes together with a generic introduction to the business, its history and its vision for its future.

To say I experienced the life of a lawyer, albeit for a short period, is an understatement; I found myself preparing cost schedules, drafting witness statements and compiling analytical file reviews in aiming to understand the complex litigative processes associated with cases that fall within the Banking and Finance sector.

I was immediately thrown into claims of financial product mis-selling and I willingly agreed to the task of preparing a number of blogs on a number of related subjects. All of which helped me to further develop my knowledge of the sector. I was granted freedom in preparing drafts being able to apply my understanding of the law whilst being guided and mentored by all members of the department, ranging from senior partners to junior paralegals, where necessary.

I gained a fascinating insight into the often dark and misunderstood world of gambling, and the subsequent devastating and
lasting effects that ‘betting against the house’ can really have on the individual. This was an entirely new area to me, and I took some comfort from dispelling the myth that the house always wins! I was provided with regular constructive feedback throughout my experience which has served to reinforce my pursuit of a career in the legal sector.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ellis Jones and would like to express my sincere gratitude to the firm, particularly
the Banking and Finance Department for their patience, time and commitment and ultimately the opportunities to learn that I have been provided with by participating in the scheme.