Work Experience Student Review

This work experience was on the Forage platform and consisted a number of individual and group tasks, as well as presentations by trainee solicitors, legal directors and other staff across the firm. I had a supervisor (a newly qualified solicitor) who caught up with my group throughout the programme. The Early Talent team were also on hand to help with any queries.

From my work experience, I learned more about the role of a trainee solicitor within a law firm. Although their specific tasks vary by department, they generally draft, review and interpret documents and attend meetings with colleagues and clients. I also learned that there are many departments within a law firm, e.g. employment, and many different roles e.g. learning and development.

I really enjoyed my work experience this week mainly because it was interactive as I got to speak to different people in the firm about their experiences. I found the presentations intriguing and the jaffa cake exercise on Tuesday was very enjoyable as I had the opportunity to work within a team.

My work experience was very well organised on the Forage platform because our schedule was very clear and it was easy to navigate the platform. The tasks were age-appropriate and were insightful into the role of a solicitor without being too difficult. Around 4 members of the Early Talent team organised this week very well.

I have learned that Pinsent Masons have a very open culture; the staff there are approachable and friendly. This shows that it would be a very good firm to work for as no question is a silly question and I would be supported which I think is vital to becoming a good solicitor.

My work experience had consolidated my aspiration to become a solicitor and it has certainly not put me off. All of the staff at the firm presented it as a very good career that allows me opportunities to learn continuously and interact with a wide range of people. I am about to complete a solicitor apprenticeship so will definitely become a solicitor.

I was not paid or reimbursed for this experience which I expected as it was a virtual internship. I believe that the experience I gained from this was far more valuable than any monetary gain. I have completed different internships with different law firms and was not paid for any of them either.

There was a networking session with the different programme participants on Thursday afternoon during lunchtime. I believe this was invaluable as it allowed me to connect with others my age who are interested in entering the legal position so I will know some familiar faces in my future career. I am glad the firm organised this.

Yes

I would recommend the Pinsent Masons work experience programme to a friend because it was an invaluable insight into the role of a solicitor in a large commercial law firm in the UK. It was also interesting to see the firms' culture and different initiatives that the firm participates in nationally.

The advice I would give to others applying to Pinsent Masons is to research the firm thoroughly to really understand why you want to experience there. Also, think about why you are interested in law and what experiences contextualise this? Also, get someone to spell and grammar check your application and perhaps reach out to someone at the firm on LinkedIn before applying.