Work Experience Review

As a work experience student I was given a timetable for the week. In the mornings we would have presentations from different trainee solicitors which covered what the company does and the different pathways into law. I then worked in different departments ( banking, litigation and corporate) and was given a supervisor in each. I was given a wide range of tasks such as research, drafting emails, reading and general paperwork. On the last day the group of work experience students did a mock tribunal which was quite exciting. However, I felt that I would've liked to have spent more time in the departments as on some days we wouldn't go until the afternoon.

The week really improved my general confidence and communication skills. The group exercises including the mock tribunal helped my public speaking and debating skills. I learnt a lot about legal terms and how to get through large documents to find the little things that you may need regarding a client. I learnt how to write emails in a professional but friendly manner which I hadn't considered before.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme because everyone was really welcoming and I was made to feel at ease. The work was interesting and by moving departments I was able to see the scope of what being a solicitor involves. There was only a handful of work experience students so it was really easy to get to know each other and we got on really well. It was great to meet for lunch and discuss all the different things we had been working on.

The team were really friendly and gave lots of help on tasks set. When I arrived to a new department the trainee would take the time to chat to me and to introduce me to everyone which made me feel valued and a part of the team. I was sometimes given real work such as completing forms which was exciting and showed that I was trusted with confidential information.

The programme is very organised as we were all given a timetable and it was nice to have a canteen voucher for the first day. My supervisor would collect me and there was always a clear desk so it was easy to integrate into the department. They made sure that we had a range of planned activities which kept it interesting.

The trainees were all really supportive. They explained tasks well and were happy to answer any questions. At the end of the day they went through what I had been doing to make sure that I fully understood which was really useful. Other members of the team would come up to me to chat which was good as I could ask for general advice about universities.

N/A

I was not paid as a work experience student which was fine as it was more about the experience and gaining evidence for UCAS.

I wasn't there long enough to find out about these.

Yes

It was great fun and helped me to decide what I want to do in the future.

It is a lengthy application so start it in plenty of time and check it over. Try to show off your personality as they were proud that they tend to employ those of a good nature to keep that friendly environment. So it would be good to emphasise volunteering work.