Case study

Madeline King — Vacation scheme graduate

Employer
RPC

Discover how Madeline’s two-week vacation scheme at RPC offered real responsibility, hands-on experience, and a glimpse into life at a top commercial law firm

What did you do while on the vacation scheme?

I spent one week in the media team and one week in the corporate team.

In media, I worked on high-profile defamation and privacy matters. Drafting a research note on Ofcom’s age assurance guidance under the Online Safety Act taught me how to think commercially as well as legally, focusing on what the rules mean in practice for clients, especially smaller platforms.

I also researched how giving evidence by video link might affect how a judge views a witness. That showed me how litigation strategy is about perception and reputation as much as procedure.

In corporate, I reviewed a draft Share Purchase Agreement for the acquisition of sustainable tech company. This helped me see how contract terms connect to client strategy and taught me to spot key commercial issues such as:

  • warranties
  • indemnities
  • intellectual property (IP) ownership.

What learning and development opportunities did you take part in?

Beyond my seats, I joined workshops on cyber and practice areas across the firm, and worked on a group project designing an artificial intelligence (AI) billing assistant. Presenting our idea to partners was a valuable lesson in teamwork, I learned how collaboration at RPC combines independent responsibility with regular check-ins to deliver clear, practical solutions.

How would you describe the culture at the firm?

The culture was one of the most enjoyable parts of the scheme. Associates and partners encouraged me to ask questions and contribute to live matters, which gave me confidence to take ownership of my work.

Outside of the office, there were lots of chances to connect with people, from a cohort dinner and drinks with trainees to a boat trip along the canal. These experiences confirmed how approachable and down-to-earth the RPC community is.

What did you feel that you gained from the placement?

The scheme gave me a clear picture of how RPC combines deep sector expertise with a genuinely supportive culture. I saw how much responsibility juniors are trusted with, and how feedback is used to help you improve quickly. For me, this confirmed RPC is the kind of environment where I could thrive and grow.

What were the most enjoyable and most challenging aspects of the scheme?

The highlight was working on sensitive media matters and seeing how strategy adapts to reputational and regulatory pressures in real time. I also really enjoyed the group project, which gave me the chance to build friendships with my cohort.

The most challenging part was making sure my work was not only accurate but also useful to the client. Feedback to focus on client priorities, rather than just organising research thematically, helped me adapt my style and improve over the two weeks.

Did the scheme end with a training contract interview or some other kind of further recruitment process?

At the end of the scheme, I had an interview with a partner and a member of the Early Talent and People team. The conversation was reflective and supportive, focusing on what I had learned and why I wanted to train at RPC.

Is there one key thing that you took away from the experience that you would pass on to others?

My biggest piece of advice is to dive into the culture and show curiosity. Ask questions, both in formal feedback sessions and in informal chats with trainees and partners. Those conversations gave me the best insight into RPC’s strategy and values and helped me get the most out of the scheme. Combine that with producing high-quality work, and you’ll leave with a genuine feel for the firm and whether it’s the right place for you.

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