Work Experience - solicitor Review

As a work experience student, we were given presentations in the morning for four out of the five days. Disappointingly, most of the presentations didn't provide us with any new information. We were then each assigned a department e.g. corporate, banking, infrastructure etc. Unfortunately, we were set minimal, easy tasks by our trainees.

I feel that I have improved my inter-personal skills slightly. I have learnt to work well in a team after the business exercise on the first day. Overall I haven't actually learnt any new skills.

The good part about the programme was that you were able to gain an insight into several different departments as you were on rotation throughout the week. Unfortunately, the programme didn't meet my expectations and thus didn't enjoy it to the extent that I thought I would have. It was a disappointing experience.

As a work experience student, you feel valued at Pinsent Masons because they produced a timetable etc. You were introduced to everyone in your department and more often than not, the other members of the department, including the senior staff, were very happy to have a short chat and appeared genuinely interested in your career plans.

Upon first glance, the programme appeared to be well structured. We were sent a timetable in advance and then given a timetable upon arrival on the first day. It appeared to be a very professional and well structured programme. Unfortunately, there were many moments when I had nothing to do and spent several hours 'twiddling my thumbs' as the trainees had nothing to give me to do.

My training provider provided me with good support. I knew I could ask questions if I needed to and we were told many times to ask as many questions as we liked.

Everyone is very friendly and approachable. There is lots of guidance and advice available if you need it. All the trainees are very happy to talk to you and share their experiences.

We are not paid as this is a work experience programme which is voluntary. Therefore Pinsent Masons is not responsible for any costs incurred by me.

I know that there is the opportunity to take part in sporting activities such as hockey and tag rugby but it depends on the time of the year. The firm seems to organise many social events. As work experience students, we didn't attend any though - but that was to be expected.

Yes

Ultimately, Pinsent Masons seems like a great place with friendly and approachable staff. However this is only the case if your actually a Trainee Solicitor or an employee of the firm. As a work experience student, there is little to do and so perhaps the work experience programme is not the most worthwhile. Overall, I would not discourage anyone from applying to the firm when it comes to Training Contracts after university!

Don't leave your application to the last minute. As long as you have good grades and a passion for the programme you're applying for, it'll be great.