Student Review

For the 5 work experience students, we listened to short presentations on different legal-based topics in the morning and then we would sit in different departments of the firm each day. Here we would be given tasks to complete by the trainee solicitors in each department, some were fictional tasks and others were real. These included drafting emails, summarising the terms of a lease and research tasks for the solicitors to use later. We had plenty of opportunity to ask our supervisors any questions we had and we were able to interact with many different people within the firm.

This programme was definitely about improving networking skills as we came in contact with a wide range of legal professionals. It was also good to be exposed to a business environment as you learn how to conduct yourself professionally. In terms of the tasks we were given, they improved research skills as the solicitors ensured my research was concise and relevant.

I really enjoyed the programme, it was definitely an eye-opening experience. What really stood out for me was the people that I met, everyone at Pinsent Masons was really welcoming and the firm had a very friendly feel to it. The tasks that we were given were in most cases very interesting and would be of benefit to the firm which made them more exciting. There were a few tasks that dragged a bit but I understand they had to be completed. I also really enjoyed the presentations in the morning as they involved more active participation, especially the mock tribunal on the last morning.

In general I felt valued while I was there, although this varied from each department. The department I was in on the last two days was particularly busy at the time and so were able to give me many different tasks to do. It was really nice to see how grateful they were for the work I did, it makes you feel just that bit more valued. In departments where I was doing fictional tasks this was understandably less so, but everyone still took the time to welcome me and answer any questions I had.

The programme structure was really impressive, the whole week flowed smoothly and every activity was of benefit. I like the fact that we had presentations in the morning as these meant we got to interact with our fellow work experience students before going off to our seats in the afternoon. The mock tribunal and business exercise were especially well organised.

N/A

The trainee solicitors who supervised us couldn't have been more helpful. They understood that we were coming into this programme with little real legal knowledge and so took the time to explain each task in detail so we could understand why we were doing it. They were also more than willing to explain their career journeys and give an insight into the application process for a vac scheme/training contract at Pinsent Masons. On the final day we had a session where our supervisor could review our CV/Personal Statement and this was really helpful as they have been through the process themselves only recently.

The programme was unpaid. However it would have been nice if the firm could have at least partially covered travel costs as train tickets there and back each day were expensive, but I understand if this isn't possible.

We were only there for a week but we got the impression that there are many outside-of-work opportunities, the trainee solicitors seemed to have a busy social life outside of the office.

Yes

It was an invaluable experience as you will very rarely get the chance to work in such a large and impressive office at the age of 17. Although it seems intimidating before you arrive, you'll immediately be put at ease by how nice everyone is. Everyone at the firm understands that you don't yet have full legal knowledge but at the same time they're not patronising and treat you as an equal. I also met some really lovely people my age who were on the programme and became good friends with them all. I would recommend this to anyone looking to pursue law in the future, even if you are not looking to be a commercial lawyer or even a solicitor as I still learnt a huge amount.

I would really recommend putting effort into the application form as hundreds of people apply and you need to stand out. What can make you stand out is researching into the firm and relating your application to areas that Pinsent Masons specialise in. Look up their core values as a company and definitely try to incorporate these into your answers.