Work Experience Student Review

Everyday was spent in a different seat, so you could explore some of the different areas that the firm work in. On each day, we were assigned to a different trainee. The work that was given to you was a mixture of work from your trainee and other lawyers or even associates in that department. Some of these tasks included summaries of cases, definitions of specialist terms, reports and proof reading documents that they had written.

On the very first day, we had a business exercise which involved coming up with solutions as well as a presentation. There was not a lot of time to organise the presentation, so we were working under pressure. Due to this, I think that I learnt how to work efficiently, as well as developing my presentation skills, since the majority of our presentation was improvised. I have really developed my skills of research, and learnt the importance of looking out for fine details, which comes in very handing when summarising. `

I have enjoyed the programme for a number of reasons, not only because I was able to interact with actual lawyers and associates, but also because I was able to meet other students my age that are also interested in this field of law. We were able to bounce ideas off each other, discuss our hopes for the future and the various routes that we want to pursue into law. I enjoyed meeting trainee solicitors, as they were able to tell us more about the transition from the stage we are at now, to the where they are now. The company as a whole was extremely friendly, everybody around really takes the time to introduce themselves and there is a very friendly atmosphere, it almost feels like a community.

Anybody and everybody feels comfortable enough to ask you to help, or to do tasks here and there. It isn't like the stereoptypical work experience, the people will actually involve you, alert you to what they're working on at the moment and take the time to answer any questions that you may have about their work, or just law in general. You even have your own desk and name badge each day!

Incredibly organised, you get a timetable before you even begin the week, and upon arrival, you get another timetable. If there are evr any changes, they immediately e-mail you straight away so that you are aware. The timings were really stuck to, and so you always knew where you were going and what you are doing. Everybody always seemed to be aware of what was going on, so if you were ever confused, they were always more than happy to help. Lunch was even provided on the first day in case people were not aware of the arrangements.

People were always extremely happy to help, we were told where everyone's desks were in case we ever needed to ask them anything. The people that ran the induction provided us with their e-mails in case we had any worries throughout the week. Every trainee that I had was very kind, and would always be more than happy to answer my questions. Even if I had any later on in the week, and was no longer in their department.

Not only your trainee, but other lawyers sat around you were always more than happy to help if you needed a hand. They were very informative when giving a task. and they would explain (some even drawing diagrams) the kind of issues that they deal with in that department. They always asked if I had any questions, and even when I didn't, they would provide me with more information just in case I was too shy to ask.

N/A

We were told of all the different social activites that vacation schemers, and the trainees go on. The office also has its own deli that you can sit in with people, and I would meet up every lunch time with all the other students and go out for lunch, exploring the office and the local area.

Yes

It is a real insight into the world of a commercial lawyer, and you can really start to realise what different areas interest you. There were quite a few that I thought would be interesting to study also, in addition to departments that you may not have known existed. It is a great opportunity to find out about different entries into law, or to even decide whether law is for you.

Read the graduate website so that you can really get a feel for the place before you come, and really do put a lot of effort into the application. Don't rush it, but leave plenty of time before the deadline.