Work experience student Review

During my work experience I completed tasks for trainee solicitors to gain an overview of business in the office and the company as a whole. I also attended many useful talks and presentations about the entry routes to law and legal careers and processes as well as taking part in a mock employment tribunal at the end of the week.

I have definitely improved my confidence while at Pinsent Masons as well as gaining some of the skills required for a career in law. I developed research skills and communication as there were a lot of new things and people I came in contact with during the week. Resilience was also important throughout the week, a lot of the tasks were challenging and confusing at times and the week reassured me that I am capable of doing this as a career.

Everyone at Pinsent Masons was extremely friendly and welcoming and I never felt intimidated which really surprised me. The company culture was great and I felt like I fit in instantly. The experience was different to what I had expected and was much more hands on, it was good to know that the trainees trusted me to do actual work to help them.

I felt very valued through the week, the fact that we were given actual tasks on cases made me feel like I was trusted and a valuable member of the team. Even when I completed a task that seemed small I was always thanked and praised for doing it. Sometimes work experience students feel like they are below everyone else and made to feel like it but I was definitely valued at Pinsent Masons.

The program was very well organised and our days were very well timetabled. The variety of activities was also great with a range of presentations to more hands on activities as well as being able to spend a good amount of time in the office working on tasks. A lot of sessions finished early however which left us with little to do until our supervisors returned from meetings. Near the end of most days when I had finished my tasks I didn't have much left to do.

The company itself was very supportive right from the application process and I received an email from them every couple of months updating me of the process. They seemed very happy to have me with them and I don't think they could have been more supportive. I really enjoyed the experience and am already looking into ways to return for summer programs and training in the future.

I received a lot of support throughout the week and assurance that if I messed something up it was okay. The trainee solicitors especially were very happy to help me with any problems and I think everyone I spoke to offered to answer my questions about law. I also got the opportunity to have CV and university personal statement support on my last day and it's good to know that they wish to support me in my future.

I was not paid for the work experience program but it was still well worth it. It would have been good if Pinsent Masons offered to pay bus fare for my work experience as this cost me quite a bit of money over the duration of the week. However, drinks and food was easily provided from the kitchens and conference rooms.

I have learnt that members of the company take part in all sort of clubs and groups and with such a friendly atmosphere it is not surprising that they are all friends. I did not personally get involved in any of this but I was welcomed along to yoga classes and the netball team if I wanted. I imagine Pinsents is a great place to work.

Yes

The experience has been extremely valuable for me to make future decisions about university and my future career path. I got a very hands on experience of the realities of a legal career and I would advise anyone looking at a career in law to take part in this experience or something similar. It may be intimidating and seem like you won't get accepted, but I had no idea I would be lucky enough to be invited along. I would definitely recommend applying for experience at Pinsents for a truly insightful experience.

I would advise anyone to come with an open mind and to be ready to be challenged. Don't be thrown off by the friendly atmosphere because from this experience I have learnt that not all law firms are intimidating. In the application process I would suggest being honest and showing your passion, if you are genuinely passionate about law this will come across. Finally, have fun, because the week goes far too fast.