Work experience Review

I was a work experience student for one week here. This involved being in the office from 9-5 Monday to Friday. At the beginning of the week I received a timetable outlining where I would be each day. I was in a different department each of the five days, including corporate, litigation, projects, property and employment and was allocated a trainee solicitor in each area to give me work and help with any queries I had. The tasks I carried out included indexing files for court, writing briefs to barristers, sitting in on client meetings/conference calls and researching and summarising information for clients. I also received two talks each day from solicitors from each department which gave me an overview of what it's like to work in the different areas of commercial law.

I have been able to develop my communication and teamwork skills through working with other students, trainees and solicitors. I have also become more professional and more confident as a result of interacting with trainees and solicitors.

I have had an amazing week. I have gained so much valuable experience and everyone here has been so welcoming and approachable. They have helped me to decide which path I want to follow in terms of university and a future career and also all the different routes I can take toward a job in law.

I feel very valued by Pinsent Masons. Everyone here has made me feel like a part of the team and always made me feel like I can ask them for help.

The programme was very well-organised. There was something scheduled for everyday and my timetable ensured that I experienced every area of the firm.

I have received plenty of support from training providers. They were all very approachable and engaging and helped me with any tasks I struggled with while also encouraging me to think independently.

The HR team here has been excellent with regard to ensuring that I knew where to go and was enjoying my work experience. I was also given advice about how to write a CV and tips for interviews.

My work experience was unpaid and I had to pay for the train everyday which accumulated quite high costs but I feel that this was worth it for the experience I gained.

I went for lunch with the trainees several times which allowed me to ask them questions about their interests and about their experience of university. They told me that Pinsent Masons also runs VAC schemes and plenty of social events for employees of the firm, although I didn't experience these.

Yes

I had a very enjoyable, interesting and educational time here. I think that anyone interested in pursuing a career in commercial law should consider the programme offered by Pinsent Masons and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

Be enthusiastic and inquisitive- this way you will achieve the most of your experience here. Don't be afraid to ask questions and approach solicitors and/or trainees; they're happy to help and always lovely.