Work experience student Review

Each day was different. The first day was mainly an introduction to the firm, a tour of the office and how each department is structured. We also completed a business exercise which encouraged interaction with the rest of the group and allowed communication skills to be developed in a business context. Even though I had no previous experience of business terminology, the task was accessible to me and everybody else. The rest of the week was varied and you get a taster of each department on different days, which really gives an insight into the workload of both the trainees and the qualified solicitors within the department.

During the week, I have practiced reading cases and acts of parliament, which will be useful in my current studies of law and also in a law degree if that is the option I choose. I have also drafted letters and other legal documents which is an accurate reflection of what a trainee solicitor would do during their training contract.

The people I met were very like minded and after the first mornings introductions, we all gelled as a group. The people within the firm were very welcoming and made sure you felt comfortable within their department. They also ensured that you were happy with the tasks that you were assigned and made themselves available if you had any questions.

During the week, the trainee within the department made sure you had an overview of their department before you commenced any tasks to make sure that you had some background to apply your tasks to. Pinsent Masons also provided an information pack which was valuable as it provided information and a schedule for the week which meant I felt well informed throughout the week.

The work experience is well structured and on the first day a schedule for the week is provided. This is useful as it allows you to understand which department you will be sitting in and what activities/ group sessions will be participating in.

The people within the office took a genuine interest as me as a person and wanted to know what I wanted to pursue in the future, which made me feel at ease.

The welcome pack provided was very useful and the booklets provided will be useful as they provide hints and tips into a career in law.

This was not applicable as the work experience was voluntary and there was no wage involved.

As I was only there for a week, there was no opportunities outside of the workplace, however some departments have organised running clubs or sports matches during the week.

Yes

The program is very structured and you are made to feel welcome into the firm, by the emails prior to starting and also whilst you are completing the weeks work experience

Consider the application questions carefully and perhaps copy them onto a word document and complete them there first so you can ensure the question is fully answered.