Work Experience Student Review

Everyday was different, but on most days we had seminars on topics including the different pathways one can take to become a lawyer, which were given by the lawyers working at Pinsent Masons. We also did small group activities, and were given information from a real case in order to prepare for and take part in a mock employment tribunal. In the afternoons, we spent time in different departments, such as the Pensions department, and were given tasks to complete by the trainee scheme lawyer we were assigned to for that day. The tasks could vary from drafting letters and completing legal research using the Pinsent Masons intranet, to helping the lawyer with any work they were completing at that time.

Many of the activities aided my ability to find key facts in a mass of information, which is a skill that is very useful in general, but especially for law students and lawyers. I also learnt how to improve my research techniques whilst undertaking legal research.

The experience was enjoyable, partly due to the fact that we always had something to do. Everyone from the firm that was involved in the programme was welcoming and helpful, and we were able to see the firms culture and environment.

Pinsent Masons gave us the opportunity to take part in the work the lawyers were completing, which is something that is not common during legal work experience that is undertaken before one has completed a law degree.

The week was very well organised. On the first day, we each received a timetable which detailed all the events and activities we would be taking part in throughout the week, as well as the people from the firm who would be leading or helping with the activities. We were given the contact details for the people we would be working with, as well as for the people we would need to contact for help with specific things. The lawyers we were assigned to for the afternoons were always very helpful, making sure we fully understood the tasks we needed to complete, and taking time to help us if we were struggling with something.

Throughout the week, we not only met some lawyers but also people from different parts of the firm. Everyone we met was supportive and helpful, and we were confident that any questions that we had would be answered, and that if we needed help with anything, it would be provided.

Throughout the week, we not only met some lawyers but also people from different parts of the firm. Everyone we met was supportive and helpful, and we were confident that any questions that we had would be answered, and that if we needed help with anything, it would be provided.

As it was work experience, we did not get paid.

As we were only there for a week, we did not get to take part in the events outside of work. However, during one of the seminars which was about the firm, we were able to find out that there numerous opportunities for activities outside of work that are available to the employees.

Yes

It gives a true insight into the day to day workings of a renowned, international law firm and the sort of work that goes on and you leave with a realistic idea of what working in a commercial law firm is like. If you decide that this is the area you want to work in following the completion of your degree and LPC, you will already know the steps you need to take and things you need to do in order to make your application for trainee schemes at commercial law firms stand out.

Make sure you research the firm so that you know the sort of work they do as well as Pinsent Masons values and aims. Write clearly and concisely, and try to emphasise your interest in commercial law, which you can partly do through showing that you are comercially aware.