Work Experience Student Review

So as a work experience student we were moved around two departments and given a different supervisor. During this time we were given bits of legal work which really gave me a great insight into the world of law. I have begun to learn skills which will be extremely useful for a career in law! We also took part in a range of talks about topics such as litigation and commercial awareness which I thoroughly enjoyed. As a year 13 student I was unsure as to whether I truly wanted a career in law, this experience has encouraged me to follow the professional and accelerated my hopes to work for a firm such as Pinsent Masons.

I have learnt many new skills including drafting planning permission letters, drawing up tax schedules and researching into the shareholders of companies. All of which will be very useful in the future and I really enjoyed learning these skills! I also had to present a presentation which I have learnt will be one of the first tasks of a trainee solicitor at Pinsent Masons therefore this task helped me to develop my presenting skills which would be beneficial if I were to become a trainee solicitor.

This programme was very enjoyable and I am sad to have finished it. In fact I hope to apply for Pinsent Masons Vacation programme because I believe it will be as useful and enjoyable as this one! The supervisors and other solicitors were very easy to talk to and did everything they could to make my experience enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the commercial awareness talk where we were given scenarios to think about and feedback in a mock talk with the company clients. This was so fun and it made me consider the idea of being a commercial or corporate solicitor.

The supervisors were very attentive which I really appreciated since I was aware of the high volume of work they were receiving each day. Everyone in the firm were really welcoming which made me feel valued during the experience. Also at the end of the experience, the trainee solicitors thanked me for my work which made me feel valued and glad that my work was not wasted. I thanked them for giving me a great experience and was not expecting a thank you in return!

From the beginning the programme had a structured itinery with clear timings that were easy to follow. In the mornings we would have talks about Pinsent Masons, entry to law, litigation, employment tribunals and commercial awareness which were enjoyable and informative. In the afternoons, the supervisors clearly layed out our tasks and quickly responded when we were unsure about anything. They gave us plenty of work so that we could get the best out of the opportunity. Therefore I believe that this program was really well organised and this contributed to making the experience enjoyable.

The supervisors were always near if we needed help and were really informative and detailed with their responses. I cannot fault the supervisors since they were welcoming and approachable which helped make the experience so enjoyable. Despite the fact that they had lots of work to attend to, the supervisors made sure that I was happy with my tasks and even allowed me to sit in on talks with other solicitors to give me a better insight.

Whenever we took part in tasks, in the morning or the afternoon, the supervisors supported us throughout. Although they did give us plenty of independance so that we could take time to figure out things for ourselves. The balance achieved betweem giving support and giving us a chance to work independently made this experience extremely beneficial. You can study law but the only way to really learn about the career is to take part in work experience which gives you a good insight. I believe Pinsent Masons has done this brilliantly.

As this was a work experience, it was not paid and this was completely for my benefit. From what I have taken from the experience, I believe that is payment enough.

The trainee solicitors informed us of the many sporting opportunities which they could take part in. As well as the formals and parties that would go on frequently. Therefore I believe there are lots of opportunities outside of work.

Yes

Since everyone at the firm are approachable and caring. The teams all work together to provide the best service for their clients and the firm cares about their employees just as much. Pinsent Masons prides themselves in their diversity which is made apparent as soon as you walk into the firm. The experience has been refreshing as I have seen the way that the firm aims to include everyone regardless of their race, age, gender or sexuality. As a result I would be honoured to work for such a firm and would definitely recommend Pinsent Masons to a friend.

For my application I tried to be original and eloquent and so would recommend trying to be unique. The firm encourages innovative thinking and so would appreciate anything different which is added to your application. I would also say that even if you are not sure about applying for law, this experience will definitely show you whether your prospects are correct.