Work Experience Student Review

The Pinsent Masons Programme was an excellent mix of some lecture style StreetLaw session and presentations about careers in law, together with the bulk of the week which were hands-on tasks. These tasks included working as a team to create a presentation for a client, but also working independently with legal tasks such as a lease report and statutory drafting.

As mentioned, we received a lot of hands of experience performing legal related tasks. I practiced analytical skills looking through documents and legislation to find relevant information, writing skills by composing client information packages, and practised working in a team and presenting ideas to a larger group. However, no specific training was given directly, and our work was not marked, although there were model answers.

It was an amazing experience! From the in-person insight day, to the whole of the virtual week, I was never bored. It was an excellent blend of practical and informative. However, I think I would have enjoyed it even more if it had been all in person, as technical difficulties limited interaction with other students.

On the whole, very well organised. There was some confusion as to what time a particular meeting was to be held on the Insight Day, but it didn't detract from the experience. There were also some difficulties with Microsoft Teams displaying slides. However, throughout there was a professional and organised front put on by the many people involved.

I believe I learnt a huge amount about Pinsent Masons. Their values were clearly laid out throughout the programme. Further, we were encouraged to research more about the company as part of a Slogan Competition. Seminars about the Day in the Life of a Solicitor, as well an in-person tour of the Belfast office, gave me a good idea about the working culture, as well as company benefits.

The work experience was very useful in helping me decide, as it presented a very positive picture of working in a large solicitors firm. However, I still feel I should investigate other options such as smaller firms and other legal opportunities such as the Bar before making a final decision.

No, not at all. It was free to join but we weren't paid. However, there were a couple of Amazon vouchers to be won as part of competitions, such as the Slogan Competition. We were not reimbursed for travel or other expenses, however the team was very accommodating with travel and tech issues.

There were lots of networking opportunities. It was great to interact with other driven students and peers, especially in the group sessions and discussions. Networking lunches were more poorly attended. In terms of meeting employees of Pinsent Masons, I was introduced and had great conversations with solicitors of all levels across multiple offices. However, disappointingly, we were not allowed to further network by connecting on LinkedIn.

Yes

All round the best work experience opportunity I have ever had, and by far the best virtual opportunity. I think it was a great way to experience something of what you could expect joining as a Trainee Solicitor. It looks great on a CV, connects you with an impressive and desirable firm, and gives you loads to further talk about and research.

Make sure you CV reflects yourself as a fun and interesting person, don't exclude interesting hobbies or experience just because it isn't legal related., but be sure to link everything to the work experience if you can. Also, apply early, the deadline is near exams and its not something you want to worry about around then.