Work Experience Review

As a work experience student, I was introduced to how a commercial law firm works, and then spent a week in different practice areas such as property, finance, and employment, learning about what they do and getting involved in real projects with clients. I also attended a number of presentations that had been organised, and a Business Group Exercise.

I have developed a number of skills during my time: drafting letters and legal documents, condensing information, giving presentations, learning email etiquette, and writing reports.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme because it was my first time in a corporate environment, and I learnt a lot about commercial law. The staff were polite and friendly, the offices were very modern, and the programme was very well structured. It was a great insight, and I enjoyed the work I was given.

The Graduate Recruitment Team, the HR Team and the trainees helped me settle in very quickly. I was given important responsibilities working with real clients, I felt as a valued member of the team in the practice area I was in, and I cannot fault the organisation and structure of the programme; it was enriching and valuable.

I was very impressed with the dedication and planning that had been put into the programme. It was very well organised with different supervisors in different areas prepared every day, and there were structured presentations and exercises throughout the week. I was given a formal timetable beforehand, and everything ran very smoothly.

There was no training provider, but the Graduate Recruitment team kept me well informed before and throughout my placement via email, and the HR Team gave a very useful induction morning on the first day.

I was assigned a 'trainee buddy' for every day of the placement, and they were very friendly and open, answering any questions I had and giving me honest feedback on my progression. I was able to speak to many partners and senior associates as well, everyone was open and polite.

I was not given a salary, but I was given a lunch voucher for the first day. Since this is a work experience placement, I did not expect to be paid but wished to just receive an insight so an unpaid placement was fine.

The firm ran various social activities outside of work during the evenings, as well as sports competitions. I was only here for a week, but I was able to socialise at lunch and I am aware there are definitely opportunities outside of work.

Yes

Pinsent Masons is a prestigious commercial law firm, I was very impressed by the staff and offices, it was a great insight into different practice areas, and they are very kind to offer a work experience placement for students which is rare. I hold an overwhelmingly positive view of Pinsent Masons, and I will definitely share it with family and friends.

I would advise other applicants to Pinsent Masons to present themselves as interested and engaged with commercial law, whatever little they can illustrate. A good application includes: a strong academic record, extracurricular activities and voluntary work, and evidence that you have pursued your interest in commercial law. Regardless of your background, I would suggest most to apply because it is definitely worth a go.