Work Experience Placement Review

I was placed on a formal work experience placement at Pinsent Masons. During most mornings, I attended and participated in group presentations and exercises for close to an hour. Following this, I was taken by my supervisor for the day (mainly solicitors and trainees) into my practice group. My role involved assisting the team with any tasks they had for the day. If my assistance was not required at any time, I would complete delegated tasks set for me. In addition, I was permitted to sit in on meetings and enjoyed speaking to the partners, who were often sitting next to or opposite me! It's one of the reasons why Pinsent Masons has a real family feel about it. All the staff are really friendly and down-to-earth. Daily interactions were warm, and the open environment certainly helped develop a relaxed but focused atmosphere. I was treated like a valued member of the team, with the tasks I completed often being used by the trainees and solicitors. Despite the fact that I was only on a placement, I was treated as if I'd been there for years. There's a real focus on people and relationships. This outstanding understanding of what it means to create a friendly working environment leaves me in no doubt as to why Pinsent Masons is a huge and successful commercial law firm.

I've developed my professional working interactions and learnt much more detail about what is required for the Law on a practical level. I've learnt what to say and what not to say when talking to people and clients in a professional setting, which certainly becomes helpful during first impressions.

Pinsent Masons is an extremely friendly organisation. I enjoyed working with all members of the team, and I would certainly repeat the experience. If only we had longer!

I felt extremely valued. I was given the necessary recognition, though I would have loved to go on a client meeting!

It was very well structured. We had presentations, an induction, the necessary support required when needed, supervisors and tasks were delegated effectively.

Accessibility of support was always good. My supervisors were always friendly and gave the necessary help when needed. They all showed a real desire to help, which was critical to making me feel like I could perform to the best of my ability without the added pressure of expectation.

The support was fantastic!

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Yes

It is the best experience you can get when deciding whether you would like to: 1) study the law; 2) choose what type of lawyer you want to be; and 3) choose what type of law you would like to practice. The three most important facets of any successful law work experience programme!

Make sure you do a lot of extra and super curricular activities! Read your application thoroughly and don't misspell! I applied last year to the programme and was rejected, but accepted this year. And from a personal point of view, my acceptance had everything to do with the huge increase in experience, programmes and awards I managed to acquire over 12 months. So I would suggest taking the time out to make a considered, thorough and detailed application.