I particularly enjoyed how the simulation reflected the practical and commercial nature of M&A work. Reviewing NDA changes, identifying disclosure issues and summarising earn-out terms for the board showed me how junior lawyers are expected not only to spot legal issues, but also to exercise judgment, prioritise what matters and communicate advice clearly to different stakeholders.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to gain practical insight into the work of an M&A lawyer. The tasks were engaging and realistic, particularly reviewing contractual provisions, applying Delaware corporate law and preparing advice for clients. I also appreciated the opportunity to develop my legal research, analytical and commercial awareness skills.

The tasks were comparatively more challenging than some other VEPs, but really helped clarify many of the processes within an M&A deal flow. The due diligence task especially was quite detailed and provided a high-level understanding of what due-diligence actually means, the mechanisms in place to carry it out and provided legitimate outcomes.