Work Experience Student Review

My work experience was a week-long program which consisted of a range of law-related tasks, from attempting to write clauses to group debates. There were also multiple opportunities on each day to ask questions to both trainee solicitors and fully qualified solicitors to gauge what a day in the life of a solicitor may look like, and what challenges they may face.

Learning about commercial awareness and its importance in the world of law when interacting with and advising clients. Additionally, I developed my team working skills in an online setting, through multiple tasks, such as debating and drafting arguments. Finally, we were given advice and documents on how to draft clauses and effective arguments.

To a relatively large extent, of all the online work experiences I've completed, Pinsent Masons have by far been the most organised with the largest range of effective tasks and activities provided. Additionally, there have been many opportunities to be hands-on and interactive, furthering my enjoyment. I would have much preferred having an in-person work experience, however, this is no fault of Pinsent Masons.

Very organised, the use of the platform Forage has been incredibly helpful as I am able to access not only the tasks but the schedule for the whole week, allowing me to prepare much further ahead. Additionally, I really liked the implementation of the comfort breaks and the optional networking sessions, as it broke up the day which would have otherwise been spent wholly staring at my screen. Finally, the Early Talent Team were very competent and ready to answer all of our questions, whether on the call itself or through their email.

A lot, there was a large emphasis put on the ethos of Pinsent Masons and there was a general consensus that PM genuinely values its lawyers, unlike many other big law firms that expect their staff to work to the bone. There seemed to be an emphasis put on the work-life balance, and making sure that work doesn't consume the lawyers entirely. There was also some emphasis put on the business and environmental side of things, which was much appreciated.

Quite a lot, I already know I am not pursuing a law degree, however, this work experience has helped me to conceptualise what I may be able to do after university. The most useful session for this was the "Day in the life of a solicitor" session, which humanised the lives of lawyers, and helped me understand, in more real terms, whether I want to be a solicitor or not.

No, I was not. I was instead paid in experience, there's not much else to say on this. Additionally, since this work experience was completely online there are no additional fees to reimburse. This experience has been invaluable and dare I say more valuable than the monetary value I may have otherwise gained doing other things.

Yes, there was a wide range of employees from all across the country who led all the tasks, and this allowed us to be exposed to many different sectors and seats within the firm. Additionally, I really liked how there were both qualified and trainee solicitors (especially as our supervisors), as it gave a wider range of experiences, especially before and after COVID.

Yes

This was a really good experience, with scalable tasks which are able to challenge a range of skill sets, whether complete beginners to law or intermediate students who have already sat the LNATS, and are looking to study law next year in university. The program is clearly set out, with many stops along the way to ask questions.

Be honest in your application, and show you are a well-rounded person, with skills and experiences outside of the law, this will show them you have a unique point of view and will add to the Work Experience and the conversations. Additionally, should you get in, don't be afraid to participate and ask questions to get the most out of the program.