Legal Support Coordinator Review

Legal Support Coordinator - my day-to-day experiences included research tasks, admin tasks, visiting Court on different occasions, producing weekly news bulletins/updates, attending internal meetings, taking notes of calls with clients/experts etc.

I have developed many skills during my time here. The most valuable skills for me have been developing communication/social skills such as networking and gaining a huge amount of confidence just from being in such a different environment. I have developed many office skills and learnt how to interact in a professional environment.

I have really enjoyed the programme and getting to experience what it is actually like to work in a commercial law firm. Everyone I have worked with has been so welcoming and friendly and made it a really nice place to work. I have enjoyed the social aspects of the job as well as being able to fully immerse myself in commercial law and learn about different aspects of my department. I had no idea what to expect when I started the Gap programme but I have been very pleasantly surprised by the level of responsibility I have been given as a school leaver and the amount I have been able to get involved in.

I think that throughout my time at Pinsent Masons I have become more valued by my team as the department have become to realise who I am and what I am capable of. I have been getting involved in progressively more significant work and I feel that this work is recognised within the department. I feel like most people in my department go out of their way to let me know that they appreciate or value the work that I have done for them which I have found very positive.

The induction process is well structured and is a good way for us to be introduced to the firm as a whole and the new trainee intake. I do think that the departmental inductions could be more tailored to a Gap year student specifically, such as having 'basic' intro to the department and what it does - as I really had no idea about IP law when I joined! The ongoing trainee training sessions are very valuable and I think it is a great opportunity for the Gap year students to be able to attend these also. I had monthly appraisals with my supervisors which gave the programme a good structure and meant that I had monthly check-ins. I think that after the first few months the '3 targets for the month' were a bit unnecessary as often we struggled to think of 3 specific different targets that were plausibly achievable! I think it would be nice to have more structured buddy scheme so that there is someone for the gap student to go to when they have a personal issue or one that they might not want to discuss with their supervisor in the monthly appraisals.

My supervisor has been very supportive and attentive.

I haven't needed much support from HR etc but whenever I have had a query it has been answered promptly. I have appreciated having a supervisor who I know is very supportive and keen to make sure I have the best possible experience.

I haven't got involved in any initiatives outside of my department however I am aware that there are a variety available to PM staff. Working in London is always a bonus as there is so much to do after work/at weekends!

Yes

Very friendly, inclusive firm, I have really enjoyed my time here.

I think for the gap year programme specifically, students should be aware that there is likely to be times when you haven't got much to do or feel unutilized but not to worry because work will turn up! In the application process it is vital that you are genuine and truthful as if you get the job you will be spending all day, 5 days a week with these people!