Student - Work Experience Review

I was assigned a trainee solicitor each day, changing usually after one or two days. This allowed you to work in around 4 different departments over the week. I spent a lot of time doing research for real cases. I had to make phone calls to check the solvency of certain companies. As well as this I had other tasks such as finding out what certain companies that were being monitored or were involved in cases actually did. I was allowed to sit in on a conference call between a partner, his trainee, and their client, as well as proof reading documents, and researching certain laws and changes to them for use in current cases.

I have learnt how to deal with professionals in the workplace. I think this was the one skill that I developed the most as the jobs I was doing involved large amounts of cooperation and it was useful to know how you are expected to conduct yourself as a professional. I also learned proof reading skills, and expanded my general legal knowledge as a result of all the research I was asked to do.

I enjoyed the programme very much and was sad to leave at the end of the week. It was a good insight into what the future might be like for me after university, and I enjoyed working with the people as much as I enjoyed doing the work. It has also helped me to make certain decisions about university courses and my options concerning the choice between barrister and solicitor.

I felt that those I worked with appreciated my work very much. As work experience students it seemed that we were given meaningful work as opposed to pointless tasks. We were actively told when our work had made a difference, and partners and trainees alike were very thankful and encouraging when you completed tasks for them.

The structure was fantasic. The warm up seminars and activities in the morning were useful to teach you little bits about areas that you were currently working in or had already been a part of. The induction process was smooth and simple, and I personally felt well prepared for the tasks that were given to me. Support from all the staff was excellent and we were certainly well taught and taken care of during out programme.

Pinsent Masons have made it clear that a connection will remain between its work experience students and the companies. Also, individual trainees were happy to give us their contact details should we ever have any questions for them.

I am currently unemployed.

I am a student.

There have not been many opportunities for undergraduates to enrol in work experience in the legal profession.

Yes

It was both thoroughly enjoyable and educational. It made me really excited about the prospect of joining the legal profession myself someday.

Answer the application questions honestly, and take your time over them. Most of all, enjoy what you do. It is not an opportunity that everybody is lucky enough to come across and it could be the first rung on your career ladder!