Work Placement Review

At the end of the one week placement at Shoosmiths I honestly did not want to leave! I enjoyed every aspect of life at Shoosmiths from the interactions with colleagues on every level from secretary to paralegal to solicitors and partners. The level of responsibility I was set through tasks demonstrated how much importance is placed upon the development of trainees.

Every member of the team went out of their way to ensure you were included. There was always something to do so I never felt like I was not a part of the team. Everyone was approachable and a work lunch was also arranged to introduce to other members of the firm.

I built a rapport with the team I was placed with and kept in contact with them even after completing my placement!

The core skills a commercial lawyer is required to have were definitely used throughout the placement. Working alongside leading lawyers ensured that I was able to develop skills such as being able to research effectively and draft documents with great attention to detail thoroughly.

Very well structured. There was always something to do with sufficient time to complete the tasks set by graduate recruitment.

The atmosphere at Shoosmiths is unique to Shoosmiths. You can clearly see that people at Shoosmiths are happy to be there and go out of their way to work as a team and include you. This is definitely an environment you want to work in long term.

Throughout the week there were opportunities to discuss with my supervisor how I was finding the tasks and if ever I was unsure of anything, the supervisor was very approachable and happy to assist in developing my understanding. At the end of the week there was a meeting to reflect how the placement went and feedback was provided.

It allowed me to see the nature of the firm is one I would very much like to be a part of. Shoosmiths is a firm that has one diversity awards and this is clear having completed a placement. As well as this, it allowed me to see the quality of the work a trainee solicitor is given. This was particularly important as Shoosmiths is a leading national law Firm so to see first hand how the development of trainees is taken very seriously.

It became clear very quickly that Shoosmiths is a firm where people are friendly and approachable. The culture is very much so pulling together and working as a team. The open plan office means that you can approach people throughout the office at all levels which is very assuring when in such a large organisation.

It affirmed my decision that I want to be a commercial lawyer. The quality of the work and the nature of the relationships rhat are developed within the profession is something that appeals to me. I witnessed first hand high quality work and professional relationships where working as a team to achieve the best goal for your client is paramount.

It was adequate for the week.

Yes there were opportunities to approach other employees. There was a formal lunch on the first day where all the placement students and their respective supervisors went out for lunch together. As well as this because the office is open plan it was very easy to approach employees throughout the week.

There was a formal lunch at the beginning of the week. Throughout the week it was easy to approach everyone in the office to have a conversation.

Yes - I was able to discuss at length with employees what they were able to get involved with outside of work. They informed me that a work life balance is encouraged at Shoosmiths!

Most definitely!