Vacation Scheme Student Review

I think the vacation scheme was really great insight into the workings of the firm. It allowed me to experience the realities of working in a law firm, as well as introduced me to construction law.

I thought that the work that I was doing was actually helping the trainees/associates that I was working for, so it really felt like I was needed, rather than giving me tasks that they already knew the answers to. Everyone was also really friendly.

I received a lot of guidance. Even though my training buddy was away for the two weeks, another trainee happily oversaw the work that I was doing and checked to see how I was doing. I felt like I was free to ask questions and clarify instructions without being an inconvenience to others within the firm.

I think I primarily developed my time management and organisational skills. This will inevitably help me with whatever tasks I take on in the future.

It was very well structured. I knew exactly where I was supposed to be and when I was supposed to be there.

It was very friendly and everyone was really supportive. The vacation schemers were also invited to trainee events, which made it seem like we were part of the family.

I think the company definitely invested in me. Despite the fact that I was only here for two weeks, they were really willing to teach me not only about the firm, but the legal processes as well. Pinsent Masons also has case clubs where the trainees and associates get together to discuss recent case law, this was extremely informative and allowed us to keep up to date with our legal knowledge.

I think having a training buddy, and almost having to 'mimic' what she was doing was really helpful in giving me an insight. For example, when my trainee left at 8pm, I would similarly follow. But it was not just about staying at the office until my trainee left, there were many different tasks that I was delegated and therefore the frequent flow of work that I experienced evidently showed me the realities of working here full time.

Given that the placement was two weeks, I thought that there was only a small part of the culture that I could understand. For example, because we were in the same department for two weeks, it was difficult for me to understand the culture of the company as a whole, as other departments may have very different cultures.

This vacation scheme definitely opened my eyes to a potential career in construction. I was initially set on potentially becoming a corporate lawyer, but I have really enjoyed the work that I have done in CAD and am definitely open to a career in contentious litigation.

The fact that I was paid was additional incentive for coming onto this vacation scheme.

Yes, we had many networking lunches. Not only that, other lawyers from different departments were happy to meet with me for a coffee just to discuss their work.

The networking events were very insightful. But I felt as if the social events were not as frequent - perhaps organise more social events throughout the first week, so that the vacation schemers can get to know each other.

Not particularly - I only got to know about touch rugby. In terms of other sports teams and other clubs, I was not really aware of them.

Yes, I would. Pinsent Masons is an amazing firm and it is definitely an honour to have been accepted onto the vacation scheme. Further, PInsent Masons normally accept 70% of its vacation scheme students onto its training contract, so for those looking for a training contract at the firm, a vacation scheme is definitely something I would recommend.