Student Review

I spent one week at Pinsent Masons with six other work experience students. We conducted supervised work, participated in a mock employment tribunal, and watched a number of helpful presentations relating to the legal profession. Most days in the week began with at least one presentation, covering paths into law, Pinsent Masons, or different aspects related to our work experience. These presentations were usually conducted by trainee solicitors, which was helpful as there was always a QandA session at the end. I was able to sit with a supervisor in three different departments within Pinsent Masons, these were: litigation, intellectual property, and projects. My tasks were quite varied, ranging from drafting emails, proof-reading documents, attending voice call meetings, and conducting research on current cases with my supervisor. The core working hours were 9:30am to 5:30pm.

At the beginning of the work experience there was a compulsory IT training task, which consisted of a number of walk-through videos on word, outlook, and other go-to software services. This greatly improved my ability to carry out the administrative tasks given to me, as well as improving my IT skills. Research tasks improved my commercial awareness as they were on current cases that the firm was working on. The mock employment tribunal improved my teamwork and analytical skills as I acted as a witness, working with fellow work experience students to defend our case by analysing the court documents and witness statements provided to us.

I thoroughly enjoyed my week at Pinsent Masons. It was an amazing and enlightening experience. I felt that I was treated like a valued member of Pinsent Masons, and given real tasks and responsibility so that I was given as realistic an insight into life at a commercial law firm as possible. I was given ample opportunities to network, ask questions, explore different areas of the law, and develop various skills. I was able to become very close with my fellow work experience students and this made my time at Pinsents even better. I definitely feel that the programme has dispelled many misconceptions that I had about life as a solicitor in a commercial law firm and feel that the experience has given me many insights, skills, and knowledge that I can use later on.

I felt extremely valued throughout my stay at Pinsent Masons. Whenever I completed a task I was given feedback and no task was meaningless or monotonous. I was given clear instructions and insight on real-time projects, which made me feel like a valued member of the team. Even in terms of seating, I was given a desk, sometimes sat right next to a Partner. This made me feel very included in whatever department I was in as my supervisor and other employees were always just a desk away.

The programme was very organised and there was never a time where I did not know where to go or who to go to. A week prior to the placement I was given a timetable and a supervisor schedule. A paper copy of this was also given to me on the first day as part of the welcome pack. As I had a supervisor at each time, which changed when I moved departments, I always knew who to ask for help if needed and who to ask for work from when I was finished. Having access to the email system and legal software also eased communication. It was clear that the programme was well thought out and organised so that we could make the most out of our time there. This was shown from the varied tasks, and exposure to various departments and staff.

A lot of support was provided to me during my work experience. As each work experience student was given access to the email system, it was very easy to communicate with the staff and ask any questions. Also, at each department you were given a supervisor for one-two days who would collect you and give you tasks. This meant that on each day you had a core team, consisting of your supervisor and whoever else was in their "pod"/cubicle that could give you tasks and answer your questions. Also, at the beginning of the work experience there was a compulsory IT training task, which consisted of a number of walk-through videos on word, outlook, and other go-to software services. This greatly improved my ability to carry out the administrative tasks given to me, as well as improving my IT skills.

A lot of support was provided to me during my work experience. As each work experience student was given access to the email system, it was very easy to communicate with the staff and ask any questions. Also, at each department you were given a supervisor for one-two days who would collect you and give you tasks. This meant that on each day you had a core team, consisting of your supervisor and whoever else was in their "pod"/cubicle that could give you tasks and answer your questions.

Pinsent Masons did not reimburse any travel costs. However, on the first day you are given a £6 lunch voucher to use in the Pinsent Masons canteen (The Hub).

Pinsent Masons seems to be a very sociable firm with all staff that I asked saying that there was a good work/life balance and that horribly long working hours were not the norm or encouraged. The Hub (dining space) and the open office plan meant that staff regularly interacted with each other. PM also seemed to work with the local community, including schools, and there is a popular choir.

Yes

It is good to have experience in both a barrister's chambers and a solicitors firm. At Pinsent Masons you won't just be photocopying and making tea, instead you are treated as a valued team member and given tasks that are genuinely interesting or needed by the team. It is an eye-opening experience which will dispel many misconceptions that you have about the legal profession and provide you with an excellent time to network.

Work experience at Pinsent Masons, from my understanding, is quite competitive, but it is worth trying by putting in an application because you never know. Definitely research Pinsent Masons, know what they do and who they work for. Whoever reads the application will want to know that you are going to take the experience seriously and truly value this incredible opportunity. Even if you don't have legal work experience try and see if you have gained skills at other work experiences/jobs/volunteering and show how this will make you a good participant.