Law Work Experience Student Review

I worked as a work experience student. I am currently in S5 and was unsure as to whether I wanted to study law. However this experience has truly confirmed that this is what I want to do. Throughout the week I spent at Pinsent Masons, I worked my way round three different departments. Litigation, Property and Employment. During my time in each department I completed tasks relevant to what a trainee would do. For example I did research for one of the new senior associates surrounding a case about a personal injuries claim. I also got to read through a real claim about an unfair dismissal, it was unbelievably interesting. Everyday I did something different and the fact we got to move around different departments really helped us get a good insight into the different parts of law. We met solicitors, trainees, paralegals, partners and PAs. We also got presentations and group work tasks at the beginning of everyday. For example, one morning we got a group work task about different business problems and it was up to us to find a solution. These presentations and tasks were so enjoyable and the people running them could not have been kinder. It was a real 9-5 job but not once throughout my whole week did I feel time went past slowly. I was always busy and once I finished any work, there was always someone else to help.

I have really developed my networking skills. I was with seven other work experience students during this week who I had not met before. We were therefore forced to get to know each other and by the end of the week we were so close we went out for a meal together. You are also surrounded by solicitors and paralegals and it is so important that you use the opportunity to ask questions about their experience and their recommendations as I found this extremely useful. I have also developed my IT skills. During my time IT was essential. I used it to type up information, research topics, email colleagues and print off my work. You also gain some skills used in law. For example, before this opportunity I has no idea how to find or read legislations, but now I feel very confident that I could do this if asked again as it was such an important part of my week. One of the last important skills I gained was confidence. At the start of the week I was nervous about what I would be doing, whether or not I'd be capable and if I would have to speak to a lot of people, as im not very good at getting to know someone. However by the end of my week, I was sad to leave because of how well I got on with everyone. I got to hear about a solicitor who studied the same course as I had been planning which really helped to set me on the right path. The whole week you are sort of forced into talking to everyone, but its the best thing that could possibly have happened for me.

I have enjoyed every single part of this programme. The work I was given was challenging but not impossible, the teams were helpful and kind and the department relationships were friendly. Everyone I met did everything they could to make me feel welcome, comfortable and if I had any questions at all, they were always happy to answer. The programme completely exceeded my expectations. All of the supervisors I worked with gave me their emails incase in the future I had any questions surrounding law or applications. The programme was extremely helpful at giving me an idea as to what life would really be like if I studied law and it honestly confirmed that it is what I want to do.

Pinsent Masons treated me equally and honestly gave me more help. I could not have asked for any more. I knew if I had any questions that I could ask and never felt as though I was a nuisance. My managers and colleagues were so kind and were happy to help if I looked lost and even invited me to a lunch that the firm were holding. I was involved in work for real cases which I never thought id be able to do and I did research which would actually be used to write articles or for more help on a case. I cannot express enough how amazing everyone was. They made my experience the best it could be and I really hope I get to see them again in the future.

The programme is extremely organises. I was given a pack on my first day containing information about the programme, a notebook and pen, a name badge, money for lunch, a timetable as to what id be doing throughout the week, login details for the computers including an email address, and some guides onto how to work the equipment. The structure of the programme was amazing. Being able to work in three different departments really helped as it showed me that there are so many different parts of law, and studying it would open loads of doors. I was never over-loaded with tasks and got to meet people from trainees to senior associates. We were given IT training which helped with the computers incase anyone was unsure. The whole layout of this programme is honestly outstanding, I could not complain about any of it.

My supervisor gave me a lot of support. They helped me to get involved in opportunities like taking a trip to the court and the firm lunch. Without them, my experience would not have been as good as it was. At no point during my week did I feel I was in the way or not a part of the team. Everyone made themselves approachable and were overly happy to help me with any issues I was having. If I was struggling with a task and asked my supervisor, they would help me by further explaining what it was asking and then allowed me to work the rest of the way. They really met any of my needs during the week and made the programme so much more like an experience and not a boring work week.

The HR were so kind. They provided us with training we needed, emails and support if we needed it. They gave amazing advice when we started about how we could get the most form our experience and it really helped me gain the confidence to ask for more work without feeling like I was in the way.

We were given £5 a day for our lunches. This was completely unexpected and made us feel very welcomed. The location made it easy to find and travel to by bus or train. As this was a work experience I was not payed any salary but this was not a problem as the experience was completely worth it and I would never ask for more than they had already given me through help and advice.

The company explained to us that they had a number of social activities outside of work such as a football team. They also regularly had lunch together and went out for dinners together. The team seemed very sociable and friendly and were such an amazing group to work with. They made me feel like I was part of the team and not just a student who was only there for a week.

Yes

This experience has been extraordinary. The people have been so kind, helpful and welcoming, the work has been challenging but not impossible and has given me a real insight into the life of a solicitor. I met a range of people and completely a range of tasks. Before completing this placement I was unsure as to whether I truly wanted to study law. But with the advice of the team and their experience along with the tasks and work I saw and did, I now know that law is what I want to study and has really made me more focused on what I need to do to get there.

Get involved in any experience you can, ask as many questions as you can and don't be scared to ask for more work. The team you are with are there to help you and they've been there themselves. They know what you are going through and could not be kinder. Make sure you develop as many skills as you can and don't be afraid to ask if you are unsure of the task you have been set. Remember you do not have a law degree, so if you do not understand something, its okay! Just ask and they will explain in a way that you do!