Work Experience Student Review

A variety of sessions, including panel talks with solicitors and trainee solicitors, group exercises, solo tasks such as drafting statutory interpretations and lease reports, and meetings with supervisors. There were sessions providing tips on CV, application and interviews alongside sessions explaining different possible entries to law. Some sessions shared case studies and gave us the opportunity to ask questions.

This week has taught me the importance of using initiative alongside critical thinking and analysis. Drafting lease reports has shown the importance of thoroughly reading documents. I feel my teamwork skills have improved from some of the group sessions and occasionally taking lead on presentations allowed me to develop my leadership skills.

I have really loved every session of this work experience. I have felt challenged to step outside my comfort zone and I feel I have developed lots of skills such as teamwork and leadership. I have loved learning about different entries to law. I really enjoyed every session and the end of each session made me really excited for the next one.

I really liked the structure of this week. Each session was long enough to gain a real understanding of what was going on but short enough to ensure we experienced a variety of tasks and sessions throughout the course of one day. Each member of the team was so helpful and supportive.

From the insight day alone, I could really feel the sense of community at Pinsent Masons. You could really tell that everyone is valued and important to the team. There is also a strong sense of respect between team members, regardless of the level within the firm. It really seems like an enjoyable place to work - it was evident that everyone was proud to work there.

This work experience has really inspired me to pursue a career in law. Everyone at Pinsent Masons who spoke to us throughout the week was so enthusiastic and passionate about their job. This really made me excited to begin my journey with law and explore which areas in particular I enjoy the most.

During the insight day, lunch was provided so there were no meal costs for this. I live a couple of hours south of London so had to pay for the train and tube to get to and from the insight day but as the programme itself was virtual, there weren't any associated travel costs throughout this week.

At the insight day last week there was a networking lunch. I took this opportunity to speak to a trainee solicitor at the firm. He was really helpful and was able to answer lots of my questions. He explained his background into law which helped me to gain a better understanding of the different available options. There were also a couple of virtual networking lunches throughout this week.

Yes

Pinsent Masons is an international law firm with a small community feel. Even from one week of work experience, it is clear how each member of the team is valued and their opinions and thoughts are heard and considered. You are encouraged to use your own initiative but equally you are fully supported by the team around you.

I would say it's really important to be authentic and genuine. Something that has been highlighted this week throughout the sessions is the importance of taking personal experiences and exploring the skills you learnt from them. One piece of advice regarding interviews that I was told earlier by a solicitor was: "it's an exam about you, you already know all the answers". I believe this is something that will really help me in the future.