Legal Support Co-ordinator Review

As a legal support co-ordinator my job falls somewhere between that of a trainee and that of a paralegal. I carry out certain administrative tasks which need completed throughout the team but also have the opportunity to get involved with varying degrees of legal tasks, liaising with people in the team of all levels, and frequently speaking to search providers and (less frequently)clients. As the placement has progressed I have been given more and more responsibility as my work is proof-read less and less fastidiously. Personally I have not had too much on-going involvement with "bigger picture" projects although this has been the case with some minor matters. My daily workload is constantly changing although typically will consist of drafting letters, making deliveries, and proof-reading draft emails for errors.

As I started this placement with no prior training in the field of law, my skills are entirely newfound. Most of the skills I have developed pertain heavily to Property Law and carrying out transactions therein, although the placement has also been crucial as an introduction to the world of law itself and has allowed me to develop a range of skills such as research skills which will allow me to cope with ease when studying at university. The internal property training courses, along with the practical experience, have widened my knowledge of the field and naturally my networking skills have improved through working in an office and being allowed an insight into "office etiquette" which is rare for an 18 year old.

The team and indeed the "company culture" have added greatly to my enjoyment of the placement, a result of how welcome I have felt since starting in September. The legal work when I am given it is also heavily enjoyable as I feel as though I am contributing something material to what the team are achieving on a day-to-day basis. When I began my placement I did not expect to be so heavily involved in any on-going transactions, which makes the work I do feel very rewarding.

The recognition I receive on a regular basis by my team and the monthly appraisal meetings with my supervisor show that the firm has done a great deal to make me feel valued. I do not feel as though there is condescension involved when I am told my efforts are appreciated, nor am I left feeling undervalued in any way by my appraisals with my supervisor.

Overall I would consider my programme to be extremely well organised. Our induction which took place in London had around 100 attendees (trainees and gap year students) and still ran smoothly as well as being informative. Our subsequent IT training which took place in office also gave us the chance to meet the trainees we would be working with. Fee earners always make a point of being approachable and this along with my monthly supervisor meetings ensure that I am never stuck on a problem for too long and am encouraged to ask questions.

Training opportunities occur frequently at Pinsent Masons. Subsequent to our initial 3-day IT training course there have been many one-off sessions on some of the programs we use, and there are frequent helpful IT emails outlining efficient ways of carrying out certain tasks online. Our compliance training is all done online and can be done at a pace which you are comfortable with. I believe this has been beneficial as it allows you to allocate a time which suits you best in order to fully focus on what is being learned.

I receive a sufficient amount of support from my supervisor and the HR and IT teams, without feeling as though it overshadows my responsibility or independence in work. My supervisor is always happy to help when I have a query and our monthly reviews ensure that I am never overlooked. HR and IT have been extremely helpful, particularly when I was first settling in to the office they were happy to answer all of my questions. The support services teams in Edinburgh and Glasgow have been invaluable for helping me carry out administrative tasks such as scanning and copying which are usually to large to carry out myself - they are always pleasant and happy to help.

Being 18 and living at home, my costs are minimal. The office location is good as it is central and therefore very easy to access without paying too much for transport, and what is left over from my salary is more than enough to cover my social costs and save some by each month.

The office social committee is very good at organising fun activities. These are usually held on Friday nights and are attended by many people at the firm. As well as this, the team I work in regularly arrange events which are fun and a good opportunity to strengthen relationships amongst your co-workers. The firm's CSR Committee ("Starfish") actively encourage voluntary involvement and are regularly engaging in or promoting charitable events such as primary school visits, bake sales, and marathon runs. Many of the firm's UK offices hold weekly yoga sessions which are popular amongst the trainees.

Yes

As one of the UK's leading law firms in many practice areas, Pinsent Masons is committed to making sure that employees feel welcome and appreciated. Additional services run by Pinsent Masons such as Starfish and Outlaw are proof of the firm's commitment to engaging in corporate social responsibility. Put simply, the firm is a responsible and respectable employer and this is shown in how it treats its employees.

Show an interest not just in law but also in the world of business. Refine your commercial awareness by reading broadsheet newspapers or even the firms own legal news website, Outlaw. It is advantageous to look into the firm, ask yourself who are some of their bigger clients and if they are involved with anything currently. For the application and interview it helps to simply be yourself, remember that there is a social side to working at Pinsent Masons which interviewers will like you to reflect.