Work Experience Student Review

I sat in one practice area for the 5 day placement. My tasks included: completing research for a number of different projects, writing an article after doing some research, attending a variety of meetings for the team and for clients, managing my emails and inbox, completing spreadsheets, and analysing data from clients and surveys.

I have definitely improved my time management skills, as well as learning how to prioritise tasks, especially when I was given these from different people. I have also improved my writing skills, learning how to be more concise and utilising the correct legal terminology, as I do not have a law-background.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme, as it allowed me to experience a little of what it would be like to work in an international corporate law firm.

I feel very valued by Pinsent Masons. Even though I was only there for a week, I feel as though my work will be utilised and will actually benefit the team I was placed in. The introductory talks and office tour were both extremely welcoming, and we were included in meetings as though we were permanent employees.

My programme was very well organised. We were given our schedules in advance and were given tasks with deadlines, so we were able to organise ourselves accordingly.

I completed some IT training modules on the first day which were beneficial as we could refer back to it at any time during the week in case we had any problems or did not understand a task, how a piece of software worked, or what a piece of legal terminology meant.

I was supported by a supervisor, who was in my team, and a projects officer, both of whom I could contact at any time if I had any issues. I was also able to ask questions to members of my team if I had any problems or did not understand a task.

I was unpaid but was given a lunch voucher of £5 each day, which was more than enough. There is a great selection of food and drinks at low cost in the firm canteen. My travel expenses were also paid so there was no cost to work at the firm for the week.

N/A in my case, but I know from others in different departments that there were plenty of extra activities to attend, such as lectures and social events. I saw plenty of these advertised, and I definitely would have attended them if I had been at the firm for a longer period of time.

Yes

The firm was really friendly, and the work was varied and interesting. The open plan layout means that you can talk to anyone in your team.

Be yourself - show that you have a range of interests, and be willing to work on any task you are given.