Work experience student Review

The work experience consisted of Q&As with employees (solicitors, trainees and partners), presentations from external speakers, group exercises with other participants and legal tasks such as statutory-writing.

I learned how to write a statute and make a lease report. I've also participated in group exercises such as discussing a legal business case, which I think has improved my commercial awareness.

I really enjoyed the work experience. I wasn't expecting such a high level of personal interaction with the employees and other participants, because this was an online event. However, through breakout rooms and group debates/discussions, I was able to ask questions to current employees, learn from my peers and also contribute to the discussion myself.

The work experience was incredibly well-organised. There was a glitch in the system one or two times, but that wasn't to do with Pinsent Masons and more to do with the platform (Forage). Either way, with this many participants a few glitches is completely understandable and I felt that the events went really smoothly.

I learned a lot about the inclusive and up-beat culture at Pinsent Masons, unlike the conventional image of law firms as being very traditional. I also learned about the firm's progressive approach to client work and administration - something I already had an impression of, but hearing about specific targets like incorporating AI to cater for small businesses made the idea materialise in my head.

Previously I only had a vague idea of wanting to be a solicitor, but I learned about the different areas you can specialise in.

No.

Yes, although I would have liked more opportunities for this (e.g. more lunches) with breakout rooms, because I had a wi-fi issue on the only networking lunch that was set up. However, we had supervisor sessions which were only with 4-5 people, so that was also a great opportunity to get to know other participants.

Yes

It really came through that Pinsent Masons genuinely cared about inclusivity and diversity of its employees. I would definitely recommend attending the firm's insight events to my friends.

I would say that on top of academic performance, it's important to show your personality by talking about extracurricular activities or hobbies that you enjoy. It's okay if you don't have prior knowledge in the law or if you're not yet sure what career path you want to go down, because I was in the same position, but still found the programme really enjoyable.