Work Experience Student Review

The work experience involved a series of virtual sesssions including interactive activities like the Jaffa Cake debate and a legal business case group exercise. There were also written tasks to be completed such as drafting a lease report and Interpretation tasks. Other sessions included 'meet your supervisor' and CV and Application tips which were all really lucrative and beneficial.

I learnt a lot more about the role of a solicitor, especially those in Pinsent Masons. I developed many skills through the legal tasks such as problem solving and critical thinking skills. I also developed my confidence, by speaking to people that I had never met before and presenting my arguments in breakout rooms.

I loved my work experience and I think that there is very little that could have been improved. The staff and supervisors were all extremely friendly and supportive and all of my questions have been answered. The sessions were exciting and taught me new skills within the legal sector that I hadn't known existed before.

It was very well organised through the online platform, Forage. I had a clear schedule and knew what I was doing at all times which was a lot better than I have experienced on other platforms. The teams meetings were well structured and started on time. We were given breaks to take a rest from the screen which I thought was really considerate of Pinsent Masons.

I learned a lot about the company culture. Pinsent Masons is clearly a welcoming and friendly firm that is not 'cut-throat' like other firms of its scale. The staff were really welcoming and I could clearly tell that everbody loved their work there. The company has won awards for being diverse and helping women thrive which is something that is admirable and commendable.

It helped me solidify that I want to study law in the future. I don't know whether I want to be a solicitor or a barrister yet (I will need more experience before I make that decision) but it has shown me that the legal sector is clearly where I want to work in the future.

No I wasn't paid. This was a free experience that was provided by Pinsent Masons after completing an online application so it was completley voluntary and I didn't need any financial support. I also didn't need any support to access the programme such as a pre-provided computer because I already had one.

Yes there were networking lunches which were optional to join and chat with other work experience students. There were also meet your supervisor sessions where I could get advice from my supervisor and other slightly older students in my group who could more accurately advise me on next steps and recommend other resources.

Yes

It was an amazing experience that was so well thought out and organised by the team. It was an excellent opportunity for prosepctive law students as it gave a flavour for the legal sector, but it was equally as good for students who are unsure of their future paths because of the transferrable skills we learned.

I would tell them to take time on their application because it is quite strenuous but pays off in the end. I would also tell them to keep an open mind because Pinsent Masons experience is unique and doesn't compare to online experiences they might have had so they should apply and make the most of this amazing opportunity.