Work experience student Review

Each day I visited a different department (practise group). We were looked after by a trainee solicitor and they set us different tasks to do. The tasks were either something they'd be usually asked to do or, it was something that may help us understand commercial law or the department we were in a bit better.

Yes I would say that I have a better understanding of how working in this environment works. Not only that but I have developed my legal knowledge/ range of legal jargon. It has also helped with my confidence which, I would say has grown throughout the week.

I really enjoyed the programme. I enjoyed the atmosphere in the firm. I was amazed by how welcoming everyone was. It surpassed my expectations and I feel it will help my endeavours to peruse law in the future.

It is clear that Pinsents put a lot into this work experience (and from what I have seen their gap-year programme). Every single member of staff I met was really friendly from the receptionists to the trainees, the canteen staff to the other workers in the departments such as legal PAs. The trainees set us really decent tasks- work that they themselves may do and, checked through the work we had done at the end and made us feel that we had done a good job. People took the time to ask things like what A-Levels we were doing, where we had come from, what university we wanted to go to etc. and seemed genuinely interested in us being there.

It was extremely well organised. There was never a point where I felt confused or didn't know abut what I supposed to be doing next. We had a timetable so we constantly knew what was happening and before the placement we were emailed this a long with other details which was useful. Furthermore, the first day ensured that we were introduced to the firm; what it did, where everything was and everything was covered. There were presentations everyday (except Friday) and these were brilliant and mainly focussed on helping us get into law e.g. understanding the Gap-Year programme Pinsents offers. When I arrived in my department for that day the trainee always took me around to meet everyone and also talked me through what I was supposed to be doing for that day.

We had presentations to ensure that we were 'trained' for our work experience e.g. a health and safety video, a tour of the office. Also, we had presentations on getting into law, the gap-year programme.

The trainees ensured that we had an on-going dialogue with them throughout the day and always arranged little 'catch-ups' so we could discuss what work I had done so far and what I could do next. They were all welcoming and friendly and always told us that we could ask them anything whether it was about or work, the firm or things like university.

It was a work experience programme so I didn't get paid therefore I can't really comment on that. I do think however the gap-year scheme the firm was promoting does pay well

Even though we were only here for a week the trainees did mention things such as netball games, volunteering and other things you can get involved in if you work at the firm. It seems to me that Pinsents deliver an outstanding range of these things.

Yes

In terms of working in a commercial law firm I don't think you could ask for a better place to do a work experience. Everyone was welcoming, they are hige successful international firm but still down-to-earth and grounded. It is also obvious that they value the work experience programmes and realy make an effort with you.

Though a knowledge of the law and good grades are valued don't underestimate how much the firm values personal skills; how you communicate. if you have a part time job, being commercially aware, being confident and friendly etc.