Work Experience Student Review

Presentations and workshops on careers in a legal firm. Exercises such as a mock trial. Learning about different departments within the firm and assisting with admin tasks. Engaging with research tasks for clients.

I've developed my communications and organisational skills. I also feel that I have much better knowledge of the role of a solicitor. I've learnt researching and referencing skills.

Everybody at the firm was so friendly that it was impossible not to enjoy the placement! The team all went out of their way to introduce themselves and tell me about their work. The tasks were interesting and I was never bored. The placement exceeded my expectations.

The induction wasn't particularly well organised with lots of important details sent extremely last minute, or not communicated at all. However, the programme itself was organised really well to cover a range of different elements of life at a law firm, and give insights into different departments.

I learnt a lot about the key values of Pinsent Masons as a firm, including their efforts to make law an inclusive and diverse profession. We were talked through the support systems in place for staff, such as having 'mental health champions' and I felt I'd fit in well.

My work experience confirmed to me that I'd like to pursue a career in law, and I felt that the programme included information about different paths I could take to qualify as a solicitor.

This was an unpaid work experience programme. We were given lunch on the first day and taken out for a meal later in the week, but were expected to bring our own food in general. We were made aware in the application that we would be expected to pay travel.

By working in different departments I had opportunity to meet lots of different people, and was encouraged to add them on LinkedIn. We were also taken to an event with the Head of Office and introduced to her.

Yes

The experience has been so useful and insightful, and I was able to get stuck in with tasks rather than just shadowing. It felt like a genuine representation of what that career would be like.

Research the firm beforehand and consider if it's right for you - explain how you'd fit their values in your application. If successful, introduce yourself to as many people as possible and don't be afraid to ask questions.