Work Experience Placement Student Review
at Gateley
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law, Legal/Law
Belfast
Review Submitted: June 2023
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
- completing assigned tasks for each department I was working in: construction, real estate, private client, commercial dispute resolution and employment
- attending a MS Teams session on diversity and inclusion and about the learning and development programme
- attending social events with the trainees and other staff members such as lunch and evening drinks
- attending court twice for construction and commercial dispute resolution related matters
- carrying out independent research about letters of intent to help a trainee with their webinar preparation
- attending a MS Teams session on diversity and inclusion and about the learning and development programme
- attending social events with the trainees and other staff members such as lunch and evening drinks
- attending court twice for construction and commercial dispute resolution related matters
- carrying out independent research about letters of intent to help a trainee with their webinar preparation
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
clear advice was given from all the staff about roles available such as being a paralegal or a trainee and we were always encouraged to ask questions. I have developed a better understanding about the route to qualify as a solicitor in NI regarding the IPLS exam and now have a greater understanding of the responsibility trainee solicitors have and what their role involves. On the first day the partner of the firm gave us an insightful talk about the values and Gateley's mission which enabled us to start the programme with a deep understanding of the work carried out.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Yes, I have been able to build upon various existing skills such as communication skills as I have had interactions with various staff in the office such as trainees and paralegals
My time management skills have improved as I had the responsibility of completing the assigned tasks from each department in a short space of time, yet maintaining the quality of my work.
My research skills have strengthened due to completing research to help the trainees for their webinar.
My time management skills have improved as I had the responsibility of completing the assigned tasks from each department in a short space of time, yet maintaining the quality of my work.
My research skills have strengthened due to completing research to help the trainees for their webinar.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Really friendly workplace with a relaxed atmosphere which allowed me to ask questions regarding various issues such as the route to qualify and ask for feedback on tasks completed.
We went for lunch two days with various staff member and there was a trainee drinks social which allowed us to ask questions in a more informal setting.
During the week everyone was really helpful and made an effort to get to know us and answer any questions we had about the firm or as qualifying as a solicitor.
We went for lunch two days with various staff member and there was a trainee drinks social which allowed us to ask questions in a more informal setting.
During the week everyone was really helpful and made an effort to get to know us and answer any questions we had about the firm or as qualifying as a solicitor.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I really enjoyed the insight and learnt a lot more about working in law and what various departments are like. There were lots of opportunities for us to get involved and complete work which helped us figure out which departments we would be interested in working in in the future and if commercial law is the right fit. I thoroughly enjoyed my week and will apply for a training contract once they open for the 2024 intake.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid and reimbursed expenses
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Gateley
5/5
Would you recommend Gateley to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Gateley
Research the firm thoroughly so you have plenty of content to include in your cover letter and make sure to proof read before submitting to spot any grammatical or spelling mistakes. Also, keep your CV to 1 page as specified when I applied and ensure that the most important and relevant parts are included. Mention any relevant work experience you may have in the cover letter as well as any skills gained from participating in extracurricular activities and how they will aid you for completing work experience/ a placement.
