Work Experience Student Review

I spent three days in the projects department with a focus on infrastructure and energy and two days in the corporate department. I sat in on meetings and conference calls, attended a diversity seminar. filed reports with the Companies House, researched a presentation about renewable energy, helped prepare office newsletters, summarised cases and generally shadowed my supervisors. We also did activities as a group such as a business plan activity, a mock employment tribunal (a huge highlight) and a seminar on commercial litigation. Each day we were given talks by different members of the company which were really insightful. At the end of the week our supervisors gave us help updating and improving our CV.

I developed my research, communication and teamwork skills. I networked and formed friendships by meeting other people my age interested in the same things as me. I got a fantastic insight into life as a lawyer and particularly a trainee and Pinsent Masons has certainly convinced me that law is the career for me. I have had access to new resources and skills I never knew existed. The practical experience I gained was so interesting and fun, and this is a fantastic addition to anyone’s CV!

I can honestly say without a doubt that this was one of the most fun, interesting and incredible experiences of my life and I cannot thank Pinsent Masons enough. Everyone, especially my supervisors and the other trainees, was helpful and friendly and the whole atmosphere of the office is exactly what I hoped. I think this differed from other work experience because we were actually allowed to help out and do work that was important and this made it feel less sheltered or dull than other placements. It will help me immeasurably in the future and I hope to apply for a place on the Vacation Scheme when I am old enough. Pinsent’s is a truly welcoming environment. which provides opportunity and equality to an amazing extent.

There were always activities timetabled in for us, such as talks in the morning then work with supervisors in the afternoon, and I really enjoyed the variation. The activities were well organised, there was plenty for us to do, lots of opportunities to ask questions and go into depth. Sometimes there were short times when we were unoccupied but no one minded because it provided time to work on our mock trial cases and generally get to know each other.

The company culture was very obviously friendly, and they definitely stuck to their values of Approachable, Bold, Connected. Although everyone worked really hard there was also plenty opportunity for socialising and having fun, and the corporate culture is something I enjoyed and would like to work within in the future. We were provided with plenty information about what it would be like to work there because we were able to participate in the same activities as the employees. Presentations also included information on routes though the company and securing a Vacation Scheme placement.

I already knew I wanted to be some kind of commercial lawyer but this experience really solidified my plans and made me think more about the kind of firm I plan to work in. Also, I think that I could be quite narrow minded before about the sector of law I want to go into however this placement has led me to consider areas I thought I had no interest in, such as energy law.

We were not paid for this experience but I think that’s fair because it was a program catered to us which aimed to provide us with experience rather than make things easier for the firm. It took time and resources to make this placement possible and I absolutely appreciate it. We were however provided with lunch every day because we were each given a £25 gift card for the co-op downstairs which was more than enough. All travel fees were also reimbursed.

I think that the highlight of the program was the networking opportunities. Every day we worked and talked with employees and it especially helped to talk with trainees who know more about the process we’re going through. The staff were fantastic and eager to help us succeed. My CV improved massively through my supervisor’s advice and many of the people I met even said I could keep in touch for help or information.

Yes

Because it was such a valuable form of experience that will definitely help me secure a university place because of the scope and depth of the experience provided. It was a friendly place where everyone was eager to help and there was plenty opportunity to meet new friends. I learned so much more about the legal process and the different careers available.

I would say to definitely project your personality in your application because they value non-academic skills such as teamwork and outside interests. It’s good to be sociable and fun as well as good at law. I would also say you should be a hard worker and enjoy diversity in your work. It’s a busy firm with lots of opportunity and development and you definitely have to be able to appreciate that.