Work Experience Student Review
at Pinsent Masons LLP
Work Experience
Legal/Law
Glasgow
Review Submitted: October 2021
Overall Rating
3.5 /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!
3/5
-
Overview of the Experience
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.5/5
-
Company Culture
Overview of the Experience
Please give an overview of what your work experience involved:
4/5
Overall, the programme was very insightful and decisive in my ultimate decision to study Law. Before the programme, I was unsure about studying Law and the programme provided loads of information about entry to law and what the life of a lawyer is like. The platform which Pinsent Masons used was very seamless and there was great contact with each of the early talent team.
To what extent did you enjoy your work experience?
4/5
The work experience was very enjoyable as most of the topics were really engaging and exciting to learn about. However, there were a few sessions that were not really that interesting and that is purely personal preference as not everyone can be catered to and everyone will have difference interests to others.
How well organised was your work experience?
5/5
The work experience was organised excellently. From the application to the programme launch the early talent team were in constant communication with everyone and were there to answer any problems or questions you had. The platform that the experience was hosted on was easy to use and provided all the required resources. Throughout we were reminded that the team are there to answer questions via email and this made me a lot more comfortable during the programme.
How much did your work experience help you in deciding on your future career path?
1/5
As previously mentioned I was not sure if studying Law was something that I would be set on, however, the programme was extremely helpful in providing an insight into the legal profession and this has reignited the excitement about studying Law and going into the Legal profession as a trainee solicitor.
Were you paid or reimbursed for this experience?
1/5
No, as this experience was work experience programme for school students we were not paid for our time at the company, nor was there anything such travel reimbursements as it was online. There were a few tasks in the programme though that allowed you to win prizes such as Amazon giftcards.
Skills Development
What training and skills development did you learn from your work experience?
4/5
Throughout the programme, there were versatile topics discussed. Some of the sessions were presentations from Trainee Solicitors to Senior Associates who discusses many topics, from their role at the firm to more specific topics such as contract law. Similarly, we were also given tasks to take away from the sessions to participate in such as Statutory Interpretation and Drafting and creating a lease report.
Company Culture
How much did you learn about the company culture and what it would be like to work there?
4/5
After hearing talks from many solicitors about their journey into Law each one mentioned their time in the firm. Specifically, during the mentor meetings, the topic of workplace harassment was brought up and the trainees were more than happy to support their company in them being a diverse and welcoming firm. Although, with the programme being online the culture of the company was hard to convey and therefore I believe this was fairly restricted.
Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees?
5/5
Every single session had some level of a solicitor involved, whether that be a trainee solicitor or above. Many of the tasks were organised by solicitors who we hadn't met before and therefore we were continually networking and meeting new employees. I feel as though being online we had a greater scope of people that we could meet than just being solely in person.
Recommendations and Advice
Would you recommend Pinsent Masons LLP to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The experience was extremely encouraging in making me not only aware of legal processes but in also showing the importance of commercial awareness etc. The programme formed a full-rounded experience and was engaging from the outset. Not only were the early talent team and all solicitors involved really motivated to help, but also other students on the programme encourage you to speak up and participate.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pinsent Masons LLP?
I would say to students that are applying to the programme to just go for it, even if you are not set on studying Law. The hosts are understanding that the Law is not for everyone but they are enthusiastic about helping you decide. The application was a fairly easy process and you should hear back fairly quickly after the applications have shut. Similarly, it would be beneficial to attend the programme launch so that you are aware of the ways in which the programme operates.
