Work experience Review

We were assigned 2 trainee solicitors in two different departments over the 4 day period. They sat with us individually and spoke to us giving an overview of the department, what it involves, current cases they are working on and a chance to ask them any questions. After this they gave us various tasks to complete that were actually relevant to being a solicitor. For example legal research and I undertook some business development tasks.

We got trained to use legal research sources such as Lexis. We learn how to write advice notes, business development and how to present our work in a professional manner. Furthermore, I developed my skill of being able to think critically and use legal websites to interpret meanings and use relevant sources in my tasks.

I really enjoyed it. I found it very helpful and has gave me a lot of insight into law that I haven’t been able to experience before. The tasks they gave us were very useful and relevant to the type of work solicitors undertakes. Also the office and those we were working with were very friendly and willing to help.

It was very well organised. There was both enough time to talk about pathways in law, the various routes and how to get there including personal stories from some of the staff. In addition, there was also enough time for us to participate in actual tasks in various departments from our trainee supervisors

I learnt a lot. I seen how they work in their offices and the overall atmosphere of the company. Through observation and both asking various members and staff about how the company is like. Through learning about it further, it has made me very determined to try to aspire to work for this firm later in my future

It has only undressed and solidified my decision to become a solicitor. Through undertaking tasks and seeing tasks that solicitors do I learned that it is very much tailored towards my personality type and what I like. This was also increased by having the time to talk to trainee solicitors one on one

I believe there was reimbursement, however, I did not fill out the form as I already had a buspass for the week so I believe that I didn’t particularly require reimbursement. Although I did not hear any of the people who was on the work experience mention about getting reimbursed but I know it was an option.

Yes, many. You were introduced to various employees when starting the programme. Later throughout the first day we got to meet all the trainee solicitors from various departments. When I was working with my first trainee solicitor, she introduced me to the whole of the team. Furthermore, in that department I got an excellent opportunity to do some networking as I was lucky enough to be included on their last department lunch to clear the rest of their social budget. I got to have in depth time with various employees of different roles in the firm and ask them questions.

Yes

It is honestly an amazing law firm. After talking to some other trainee solicitors and comparing Pinsent Masons to other law firms, the atmosphere seems very warm and comforting. All the people also seem very happy and friendly while all maintaining a hard working atmosphere. It is also a highly ranked law firm and actually can provide you with work ‘experience’

I would advise that even if you do not have any idea of what you would like to do in the future, it would help to have a possible interest into the legal sector and/or business. Although you do learn transferable skills that would help you in any professional job, it is tailored towards law so would be most useful to those who have an interest in it.