Work Experience Student Review

Essentially, I was allocated to a different supervisor each day of the week and they were each in different departments. They would assign me minor work, e.g. small bits of research related to their department's current projects and cases, comprehension on on legal cases, spreadsheets or letters of engagements to fill in.

I learnt how to gather key bits of information within a larger piece of text. I also learnt how to make research more efficient by pinpointing it and really working out the kind of questions I need to attempt to answer through my research.

I didn't really enjoy it that much because the work we were given was not very fun or interactive, however, I can appreciate that it was only a reflective picture of life as a commercial solicitor in a top city firm, therefore, it was useful in helping me narrow down my desired career path.

Very valued. Whenever I changed suits and moved to a new department I would be introduced to some of the members of the department to make me feel welcomed and as part of the team. Additionally, the research, spreadsheet and letter of engagement I was assigned was actually work that will be used by the departments for their overall projects and legal cases, therefore, I felt like I was making the job of the team a little bit easier through my work. This also made me feel like part of a team.

It was very well organised and we were given timetables with fixed schedules, which we stuck to over the course of the week.

I received a lot of support from my supervisors. They always made me feel very comfortable and encouraged me to ask as many questions as possible if I was curious about something or struggling with a given task.

N/A

The work experience was unpaid. However, if we wished, our travel was reimbursed and our lunch was also free with a voucher.

I am currently sitting my A-Levels, therefore, this work experience programme was suitable as it was over the half term. Apart from that, I do not have time for non-academic work.

Yes

I think it would allow them to see what life as a solicitor is really life and to differentiate between life as a city solicitor, a high street solicitor and a barrister.

I would say that they should definitely apply if they want to find out if life as a city solicitor if what they really want, as the glamourisation of it via the media does not create a valid picture. I would also advise them to start the work experience with a very open and unbiased mindset - be willing to try new tasks, even if they seem tedious, unachievable or difficult. Regardless, they will help you make informed decisions on your future.