Work Experience Student Review

Each day we would spend time listening to talks or partaking in activities as a whole group in the morning. This included 'entry into law', a business group exercise and a mock employment tribunal. In the afternoons we were each placed in a department within the firm and asked to complete tasks relevant to that department. Some of these tasks were set up purely for work experience, but others were real and this allowed us to help the trainees in our department and get a feel for what the day-to-day life as a trainee solicitor would be like.

I have developed my existing skills of organisation without a doubt. In each department some work had to be prioritised over other work and so it was important to keep track of what had to be done, when by and who for. I have also learnt how to communicate with people in an office setting, as I was given a different supervisor each day and the departments each contained an entirely new set of people to meet and converse with.

I enjoyed this programme as it allowed me to gain an invaluable insight into the world of Law and what it would be like as a career. Most of the work was engaging and challenging, pushing me and my fellow work experience students to think about problems and find the answers ourselves. It is very different from other work experience programmes as it allowed me to partake in actual work that went towards the completion of real jobs, as opposed to just watching other people work.

I felt valued by Pinsent Masons because their programme was completely organised. On the first day we received an itinerary and welcome pack, which shows that the company were dedicated in giving us a varied experience. The staff were all friendly and willing to answer any and all questions that we had either about university or Pinsent Masons itself.

The programme was very well structured. The itinerary explained what we would be doing each day and also listed the name of who our supervisor would be. This allowed us to prepare for what we would be doing and be ready to enter each specific department on each specific day. The supervisors were also prepared with tasks for us to complete so that there was almost always something to be getting on with in the office.

My supervisors were very supportive and willing to help me with any task if I got stuck. Any tasks were explained in a good amount of detail and often in writing, so that I could look back on the initial instructions if I ever felt like I was straying from the task I had been set to complete.

The supervisors on the following day always were prepared to answer any questions about the previous day. Often, there were discussions on a morning about whatever we had found confusing or unusual the day before. This led to any confusion being cleared up so that we could start each day with a clear mind and be ready to take on the next task in a logical and thoughtful way.

As it is work experience it is unpaid, however there was tea and coffee available every morning and a £5 food voucher on the first day. It was up to us to organise travel and food every day, but that was all. The only cost for me during the week was for the bus and my own lunch, which I think is reasonable.

Many events take place outside of Pinsent Masons. Personally, I was tasked to create a bulletin of upcoming events in Leeds that employees may be interested in attending and many of the trainee solicitors talked about how they would go to social events outside of work to network and make friends within the company.

Yes

For someone interested in a career in law this experience was invaluable. The company were welcoming and willing to let us do work instead of just watch others do their own work, meaning we got to experience a more accurate picture of what a career in law would be like. The talks in the morning were also useful in that we could ask questions about studying at University and the LPC, which is especially more relevant for us as Year 12 students.

The programme is worth the time it takes to complete the application. The itinerary is full of unique experiences that are invaluable on a CV, even for careers outside of Law. There are plenty of opportunities to ask specific questions and the week itself is packed with learning. As we only stay in a department a maximum of two afternoons the work is varied and no two days are the same.