Rating

8.9/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I'm a work experience student staying at Pinsents for a week. I've spent each day in a department of the firm e.g. litigation, banking, employment, generally doing research work in relation to the department I'm in. Daily I have the opportunity to meet with members of the firm to ask any questions.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Researching more efficiently and effectively. Becoming more meticulous with general work. I'm also now more able to take on work with a positive attitude, even if appearing daunting. I am now more used to an office environment.

    8/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • Even if not every aspect is considered "fun", it is the most I could expect or desire from work experience. There is no irrelevant work given such as photocopying or making tea, I can tell a lot of effort and planning has gone into making the work experience scheme a valuable experience for all students thinking of a career in law. Regardless of the legal experience, I've enjoyed getting used to an office environment which I find would be valuable for any student.

    9/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Pinsent Masons?
  • The kindness I've found in the employees at Pinsents is outstanding and I'd say is by far the best aspect for me from the whole work experience. People working nearby to me have on countless occasions taken the time to have a chat and answer any of my questions, taking obvious time out of their busy working day just for me. Even employees who aren't nearby but are people I wanted to get a hold of, have always replied to my emails and followed it up by meeting me and taking me for coffee for an in depth conversation about the matter I wanted to discuss e.g. Universities I want to apply to, The Gap Year scheme, Training Contract inquiries.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • VERY. Prior to the actual week, extremely helpful emails were sent such as the map and dress code and agenda. The first day was so easy to follow as HR took very good care of us and the tour made the rest of the week much more manageable. The time given for tasks is great as it fits in accordance of our levels so there is no specific unnegotiable deadline however expected guidelines are given generally to get us used to the work environment and its expectations.

    9/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Since I had 4 trainee Solicitors in total (One for every day after Monday), the level of support was split amongst them all however all the trainees gave an excellent level of support and were extremely friendly and always made themselves available to me.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • HR gave extremely relevant contacts in regards to tasks required to be completed or in case of troubles. They were very supportive.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • I live in Greater London so commuting is not costly. Food is cheap here but to an excellent quality thanks to the Masterchef Chef.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • There are various social events on offer depending whether you are invited by your trainee or if there is anything on offer that particular week or day.

    7/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Pinsent Masons to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I don't know many law firms other than Pinsent Masons which offer such an in depth and relevant scheme with such friendly people and support.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pinsent Masons?
  • Take time to find out what the firm does and what its values are and make sure you try to get as much worldly experience as possible as even though academic excellence is a required criteria, they also highly regard travel, volunteering and things which show that law is not the beginning and end of your character. Take time to read and think about your application and make it specific and relevant to Pinsents as the recruitment team can see right through an application which has been sent out to several firms but just with a few tweaks. Make it personal to the firm.


Details

Work Experience

Legal/Law

Central London & City

October 2014


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