Work experience student Review

As a work experience student, every day a presentation was provided in the morning on different aspects of life as a lawyer at Pinsent Masons including the experiences of current trainees and also what different departments do. As part of the experience, each day you would be allocated to different departments to carry out the work that a trainee solicitor would carry out day-to-day. You would be fully supported by a current trainee as your 'supervisor'. This would include research, drafting and proof-reading documents as well as attending meetings.

My inter-personal and communication skills have developed and it has shown me how to carry out a professional approach to the work I do. An example business exercise allowed me to hone my business skills and my critical analysis to think logically and carefully about problems.

The programme was excellent and I was treated as a real member of the teams I was working in. The whole firm seemed very friendly and the work I was provided was meaningful as helpful to give me an idea of what to expect as a trainee solicitor. The supervisors for the day were always willing to chat and would often take you for a coffee to chat about the experience that day and to give you feedback which was very useful.

Pinsent Masons valued my work and recognised this with a certificate of participation and offered to provide references if ever I needed anything for future placements. I was fully involved within tasks and was treated as an integral member of the team despite only being in each department for a day.

The induction provided is excellent and gives you a thorough understanding of Pinsent Masons and helps you to get to know your way around the building. The presentations at the start of each day allow you to bond with your peers as well as give you an insight into different practice areas and trainees always seemed happy to help. It was clear a lot of effort had gone into making sure that the placement was worthwhile and the support provided from the trainees helped me to get a better understanding of the role of a trainee solicitor as well as how I could ensure my applications for future training contracts would stand out. There was always work to be getting on with and support was always given in the work was challenging or you needed help - you were never left alone and were always near someone who would be happy to help.

The supervisors each day were very friendly and offered a great deal of support in both understanding their job as well as giving advice on future plans. They were always happy to help and always had work for you to ensure you never got bored. Meeting them for a coffee everyday made the experience more informal and helped you to bond with your trainee and ask them many questions as they were giving you all their attention.

The HR team were always an email away allowing us to ask any questions about the programme. The supervisors were happy to help and there was never a problem getting anywhere - it was rather exciting to travel around in the glass lifts! Pinsent Masons valued us and was always happy to help if we needed anything.

No salary is provided as this is a voluntary work experience placement. Travel costs are not reimbursed but you do get a complimentary lunch voucher for your first day in their subsidised restaurant. Food costs were very low and was always to a high standard.

There were department drinks one evening and all the employees were happy to help you if you needed help. As this was only a weeks' placement, social opportunities were limited and there were no company events going on at the time.

Yes

The experience is excellent to discover what life as a trainee solicitor is actually like and the presentations give you a flavour of what is to come. To be able to speak to trainees about their experiences allows you to understand what is required of you in the future and ensures that the experience is as worthwhile as possible.

Make sure your application is tailored to the firm and your academic qualifications are to a high standard as they receive many more applications than places. Ensure, if you do get a placement, you arrive on time and you are eager to learn. Always get as involved as possible in your work and ask as many questions as possible as the trainees who you work with have been through the same process as you. Don't worry about bringing your own lunch or finding friends as everyone on the placement is friendly and the on-site restaurant is excellent and very cheap!