Rating

7.2/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of what your work experience involved:
  • First hand insight into the legal profession, covering a range of topic areas from employment law to contract street law. There was an even mix of both independent and group tasks which allowed me to develop my own personal skills as well as teamwork and communication with others. Resources were provided to aid most activities.

    8/10

  • 2. What training and skills development did you learn from your work experience?
  • Thinking in a more critical way, particularly from a legal perspective by going beyond the surface and interpreting new situations for myself. Teamwork skills with people I had never met, which normally would seem quite daunting to me but all other students were chatty and welcoming as well as all supervisors and presenters throughout the programme.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent did you enjoy your work experience?
  • I really enjoyed the overall experience because I feel it has increased my confidence when speaking to others and voicing my opinion, something which in the past I have not always felt comfortable doing. I enjoy the contrast between working by myself and with others and feeling able to have my camera and microphone on.

    7/10

  • 4. How well organised was your work experience?
  • I liked that we had a given timetable, everything was structured and ran mostly to timing, apart from a couple of expected technical issues. I always knew what was coming next and when and the distribution of presentations to tasks was even across each day, so we were never doing the same kind of session back to back.

    8/10

  • 5. How much did you learn about the company culture and what it would be like to work there?
  • I learnt lots about the culture, mainly in the panel talk with solicitors/trainee solicitors as well as the responsible business presentation. I find it very comforting that there is such pride taken in each individuals wellbeing and mental health, and that the company has specific departments to address any concerns and support staff,

    9/10

  • 6. How much did your work experience help you in deciding on your future career path?
  • I was already fairly certain on going into the legal sector, however this programme has further solidified that for me. The CV and interview tip session in particular will act as a guide for me in the future when making my applications to law school, which hopefully will help me to stand out,

    8/10

  • 7. Were you paid or reimbursed for this experience?
  • No, it was all online so no need for transport/commuting/food, therefore there was nothing that needed to be paid for. I think this is a big advantage to many students, including myslef, because it means people from all backgrounds are able to join in, no matter their financial situation

    1/10

  • 8. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees?
  • Yes, there were two networking lunches available to us on the Monday and Thursday of the programme. I found this useful as I could speak to other people my age in the same situation and we were able to support each other in our next steps, hopefully we will be able to keep in contact in the future as well.

    8/10

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


  • 9b. Why?
  • They take a unique approach to staff welfare, despite only joining for a four day programme, I feel safe and supported throughout. They provided an interactive and informative programme, unlike most other law firms following the pandemic, showing that they are keen to attract students in the future who may be returning for vacation schemes or training contracts.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pinsent Masons?
  • Research the firm via their website and include any qualities you find in your answers throughout your application. In particular, I would recommend developing your commercial awareness before applying to strengthen these answers, you can do this via reading the news, 'Out law', listening to podcasts or the radio and just reading in general.


Details

Work Experience

Legal/Law

Chesterfield, Derbyshire

July 2022


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