Work Experience Student Review

Each day we had a different trainee who was looking after us and each day we were in a different section of the firm. The trainee would bring us a variety of tasks to complete and then give back to them. I then normally received feedback on the task and then we would be given some more work to complete. I enjoyed some of the work i was given but sometimes it felt as though myself and the other work experience people were given mundane tasks which weren't very exciting. I know these tasks come with most jobs however i didn't think these would be given for a work experience placement.

My knowledge of different areas of the law has been expanded throughout the week. I have been in areas of the law, which I had not previously considered as an interest of mine. However by spending time in the different areas of the firm my view has been widended and changed. I enjoy going round the company as a whole and experiencing all new and different parts of law with Pinsent Masons and i feel as though i took in a lot and learned more than i thought i would whilst completing my work experience placement.

The programme has been very enjoyable and equally beneficial to me at the same time. I have seen a large variety in aspects of law and worked with a range of people. The workers were extremely approachable and friendly making the time with them pleasant. The work load was varied and engaging, sometimes a bit small in quantity, but the trainees put a lot of effort into making our time enjoyable at the firm. I would love to give some feedback as perhaps the small parts which weren't as enjoyable could be improved for future work experience placements.

I feel I have been treated very well by Pinsent Masons and the people were very welcoming. I was made to feel like a member of the team during my period of time spent there. I feel as though i learnt more about the company then what i thought i would before my work experience placement and it has widened my interests within Law as a whole. I know more about the company as what potential areas will suit my personality and interests better.

The week was very well organised by the firm, but when with the trainees there was not too much structure and organisation and it was very much we did what work they had spare and there wasn not a fixed order of work for us to do. We were quite looked after by the staff however some parts of the work experience as a whole could be a little dull and/or mundane at times so i think there's room for improvement there still but overall really happy with how the placement/programme went.

Some training providers spent more time and effort with you, whether that be the quantity of work they gave or the feedback quality and length. However this was much dependent on how busy they were themselves. Some did not have much spare time to give whereas some had a bit more so their contact time with me was greater. I feel as though it was a big effort for some of the training providers to help us with our work and look after us which did not give us much motivation as we felt a little unwanted if anything however these were only a couple of staff members.

Some training providers spent more time and effort with you, whether that be the quantity of work they gave or the feedback quality and length. However this was much dependent on how busy they were themselves. Some did not have much spare time to give whereas some had a bit more so their contact time with me was greater. As mentioned before though, a few staff members didn't give us much motivation as it felt like we were a big burden for them to look after us.

There was no pay given as it was a voluntary scheme. I did not expect to be paid for my placement within Pinsent Masons because it was purely voluntary and for the work experience only. I did however pick up a few leaflets/brochures from the general offices there about potential apprenticeships with them and also an upcoming open evening. I have contacted one of the line managers also about having an interview too after this last year for me in school.

There were no real activities for us to do outside of work however we have only been doing work experience for a week so this was not expected. There has been information in different parts of the company to staff member about charity work in the local community as well as upcoming charity bake sales for example which i think is good as the company and staff as a whole would become involved. I know a lot of staff groups also meet up often on weekends so it's nice in this way to keep the morale going and getting to know your peers better.

Yes

The experience has been beneficial in my development to trying to go into the legal profession as I have learnt a great deal about it. The week has been hugely advantageous and would recommend to anyone to apply for such an experience to reap the benefits that come with the weeks work. I would definitely say that if you're interested in law then having this experience really helps you better understand the different paths and types of law you may be interested in and how to get into this career too. I picked up a lot of helpful information.

For the application, time and effort is a must. The application was long but this should not deter them from applying. Not only is the application a good learning experience, the benefits of completing it and doing work at the Firm has been well worth the effort. I would definitely go back to the company and reccomend having the experience at the least to get a better understand of their business and law as a whole. It would be good to get to know the company beforehand as well as it would impress any possible interviewers about your knowledge of the company already and the effort you've put in to understanding the company more too.