Work experience Review

My job title during my work at Pinsent Masons was quite simply 'a work experience student.' The day to day activities that I was involved in were extremely varied and catered to my knowledge by each of the three trainees I was assigned to over the four days. The first day I was given the job of proof reading Property Litigation contracts, the second day I worked on giving advice and opinions on CAD related issues, and the last day I spent time researching into Projects to expand my knowledge of the sector's aims and work. Each day begun with a team exercise and a talk led by trainees or partners within the firm, allowing some great insight into different legal sectors, giving a great range of information to be taken home with me. Daily interactions apart from the exercises included attending a training forum with my trainee, and being given a briefing about the different sector I would be working in. Additionally, the trainees would also regularly go over the work I had done throughout the day to give me positive and constructive feedback.

I have learnt many new skills, including how to draft an executive document, how to write an opinion letter and/or advice to non legal clients, how to use databases on computers and how to properly proof-read a piece of legal documentation. My legal vocabularly and knowledge of the civil and corporate legal sectors has also greatly expanded, which I can now use in my studies. I feel that my confidence has grown and that I have great insight as to what my personal strengths and interests are now, and whether the legal profession is what I wish to continue in.

I really enjoyed the programme. I found the first day rather daunting and was very nervous, but the team and workers were so kind and welcoming that that worry was soon replaced with comfort. Everyone at the team seems to have a great work ethic with a really passion for what they do and the clients they meet. They have been extremely kind and understanding of personal matters and have really embraced me into their work, which made me feel really valued, even just as a temporary student. I have nejoyed my time with the team due to their positive outlook and kind manner.

I feel very valued by Pinsent Masons. Each day they have provided brilliant lectures and semiars designed for myself and the other students. Addiotionally, throughout the day my trainee would take the time to spend time with me so that they may read over the work I had done and give me positive feedback about it, which made me feel very valued and welcomed into the team. I have recieved constant emails of support from graduate recruitment and I feel that the company did their best to value and involve me.

The whole programme was extremely well organised. The induction was clear, precise and really well planned in terms of timing and presentation. Whilst there was not much training the trainees and company made sure that they gave as much advice as possible and kept a watchful eye on the work that I did. There was regular support meetings and task delegation, which made me feel confident in the work I was given. The team made me feel like an equal and embraced me well, and I do not feel that working with more professional team members affected the warm welcome I recieved.

My trainees and training providers were brilliantly supportive. They gave me extremely detailed and well thought out guidance on each piece of work I recieved, and invited me to ask questions whenever I wanted to. Their attitude was open, bold and friendly, and mafe me feel greatly welcomed and appreciated within the team. The accessibility was easy and I felt comfortable with emailing, phoning or visiting my trainee at any time.

I gained a lot of support from my employer and felt that I was listened to by both my mentor, HR team and the managers as well. I had guidance availiablity at all times and any problems were dealt with efficiently and kindly. I would definitely say that all support and guidance was given really well and i didn't feel pressured by the team but at the same time i knew i could speak to one of the staff or supervisors if i needed the help and support or for any other problems i might have had.

I was not paid for my work experience this year at Pinsent Masons and i fully expected this. From looking at potential wage packages from jobs, apprenticeships and internships with the company they all look really promising and convincing to apply in my future too. I think they are fairly reasonable with wages but ultimately as i wasn't paid i can't really judge or fully comment on this. From what i have seen the company seems fairly reasonable and not working with minimum wages either.

Outside of work i was invited to one or two meet ups with team members i worked with just for a drink on a friday night etc. this was really nice and i felt like part of the group, they typically just do this for birthdays and occasions but with apprentices, interns and work experience employees coming into different departments they usually use this as an excuse to make the most of it and introduce us to the group and get to know each other a bit better. Overall everyone was really friendly and i was very happy to be included in the events and have a laugh with fellow co-workers.

Yes

Pinsent Masons are professional, kind, welcoming and a great company to work for. The team and workers are all extremely welcoming and understanding, with an espeical focus on making their work experience students feel valued and giving relevant experience for us to gain real experience of the legal profession and insight into our futures. Definitely would reccomend though and i think anyone who joined would feel like part of the team.

I would advise others to do background reasearch on the company and look up case studies as it greatly helps with the work given, although it is not necessary. when looking up the company you can also try an express to interviewers of your knowledge too. dress smart for the interview, try to keep calm (and carry on!) and just make the most of the whole experience, perhaps bring a few leaflets and information on the apprenticeship and other documents which may help you as well.