Work Experience Student Review

The work experience involved a number of different events, each interesting in their own way. We were allocated supervisors who guided us through the work experience, and who we met at the beginning and end of the week. There were a range of presentations, some being more information based, and some involving us carrying out independent drafting tasks and work. On the first day we met with our supervisors who introduced themselves and described their journeys into law. There was then a Street Law workshop where we learned about contract law and applied it to real examples. In the afternoon, after an optional networking lunch, we had an entry to law presentation where we were informed of the different routes into the legal profession. On the second day we had a panel of solicitors including trainees, NQs and a legal director. We heard their stories, and we had the opportunity to receive answers to any questions we had. Following this, we had a CV, application and interview tips session, where we found out what Pinsent Masons and other firms are looking for in applicants. In the evening we had a group exercise where we were split off into breakout rooms and used reasoning to explore a previous case surrounding the "Jaffa Cake" debacle a few years ago, and whether it is a biscuit or a cake, and whether it is exempt from VAT. Following this, we had a responsible business and pro bono presentation telling us what Pinsent Masons is doing to ensure they are meeting ESG and responsible business goals, including those set out by the UN. On Wednesday, we had a commercial awareness workshop, where we developed our understanding of some of the most important 'hot topics' of the world currently and were given tools and resources to maintain our commercial awareness. We then completed another group exercise, which involved us advising a ‘client’ on a product recall. In the evening we had an independent task, where we had to produce our own clauses in our own Acts, and we had to draft a letter to a client advising them on whether offences had been committed in their case. On Thursday, the final day, we had a presentation outlining a day in the life of a solicitor and the types of tasks people do, as well as the different types of law you can work in! This was followed by a final meeting with our supervisors. After this we were given some further independent work, where we analysed a lease agreement, and produced an easy to read and digestible report for out ‘client’. We closed the experience with a feedback session, which nicely closed of the week. All in all, a really insightful experience, with really friendly and knowledgeable presenters. I would highly recommend anybody who is interested in a career in law applies for this experience – you won’t regret it!

We learned how to draft documents, in particular within our statutory and drafting independent work, as well as in the lease report work. In the latter, we had to read and interpret documents with complex language and break it down into clear and easy to understand explanations for our ‘client’. In addition, we developed our commercial awareness, and were given the tools and resources to maintain and develop our commercial awareness further. We also had to work in groups with other students, which helped develop my teamwork skills and communication skills.

I thoroughly enjoyed my work experience, as it was extremely interactive with tasks we had to complete independently and in groups. We were also permitted to ask questions, and were also given opportunities to answer questions from presenters. Despite being online, we still had opportunities to meet new people in virtual networking lunches. This work experience has given me a much clearer image of what a solicitor's role is, and what their day is like.

The work experience was impeccably organised by the Early Careers team, and was all easily accessible through the Forage Internship platform. It was easy to see when different events were, and they used Microsoft Teams, a platform familiar to many students due to remote learning. The platform also allowed us to talk to other students, as well as access further digital resources from the firm, outlining different areas in law and a tour of the London office.

I learned a great deal about the company culture. It seems like the firm is extremely connected, and each sector and department works together regularly. The firm has the feel of a small close-knit firm, yet has the resources and opportunities of a multinational firm. It seems like all of the solicitors and trainees we met were really passionate about their jobs, and love the firm. Many complimented the 'vibe' and feeling of the firm, which I felt through the friendliness of all of the presenters and supervisors.

Law from the outside can seem daunting in terms of the different types and routes you can progress. It has proven really helpful in understanding the sorts of activities and tasks I would be completing throughout a work day as a solicitor, and this has been very useful, as this information has been hard hard to find in other work experience programs and websites I have explored.

This work experience was unpaid, but that is besides the point as it contained extremely valuable information which I found difficult to find elsewhere. It is over the course of 4 days, with around 4-5 hours each day of work and presentations, and occurred during half term so did not affect school or other commitments.

Whilst unfortunately we were not allowed to send LinkedIn requests to solicitors for safeguarding reasons, we had networking lunches where we were able to talk to other students and learn more about each other. We were also given opportunities to introduce ourselves to our supervisors, who are trainee solicitors themselves. Pinsent Masons also provided us with social media information for us to follow to keep up to date with the latest events.

Yes

I would recommend this work experience to anyone who is interested in a career in law. It gives to a rare insight into what a solicitor's life is actually like, and the sorts of things you would be doing if you choose to become one. It is very interactive and enjoyable, and you are given plenty of breaks throughout the day, so the work does not feel to heavy. You get to meet like-minded people who want to go into law, and share experiences.

I would recommend that you don't undermine yourself, and be proud of your achievements. Don't hold back from listing all of your proudest achievements in the application. Also, take the time to read about the firm on their website, and read their blog 'Out-Law' which contains dozens of interesting posts across all of the sectors they work in. Find parts of their work you find interesting, and talk about this in your application as it shows you care and have taken the time to carry out your own research. Be yourself and be passionate about your achievements and interests. The application wants to find out who you are.