Vacation Placement Student Review

The firm provided me with a variety of opportunities to develop my skills such as providing networking events and insightful presentations. I also sat in on a training video conference call delivered by PwC accountants on the accounting provisions of a tax deed. This was both interesting and valuable to my personal training and development.

The vacation placement helped me to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm as I got involved with real, live work, got to know the teams and after spending two weeks here, you really gain a true insight into what it would be like to work here. I was able to see what types of clients the firm works for as well as what the culture is like.

After two weeks at Pinsent Masons LLP, I believe I truly understand the firm's culture in that it is very approachable, open and friendly. The vacation placement helped me to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm as I got to know the teams and started to understand its unique culture. The firm's approachability made it easy to settle in and make the most of the placement.

I had chosen to sit in the non-contentious tax team, after enjoying learning the basics of tax on the LPC. Although I had been told that tax law is perhaps a steeper learning curve than other areas of law, the team were very understanding and took the time to explain the tasks thoroughly. I was given a variety of drafting and research tasks as well as work from other departments. For example, after expressing my interest in employment law, I was encouraged to tackle a drafting task based on a claim for unfair dismissal.

I was paid for £300 each week for 2 weeks and our expenses to travel to Pinsent Masons' London office on our first day for the induction will be reimbursed provided we have kept receipts for all of our expenses. We also were entitled to a holiday day so if anyone had a graduation to go to, they could take the day off. Alternatively, we will be paid for the holiday day we didn't take.

Yes, there were plenty of opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the firm. I attended a YPM presentation given by the Senior Partner himself on building your own personal brand. I also attended a networking event for 'women in tax' about having confidence in meetings which was held at an accountancy firm nearby. There were also plenty of socials, dinners and drinks to get to know the other trainees and lawyers at the firm.

The placement was filled with a number of fantastic personal development opportunities to explore areas of interest such as attending a 'Women in Tax' networking event about 'confidence in meetings', which is reflective of the firm's impressive commitment to gender equality and a presentation from the firm's Senior Partner, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], on 'building your personal brand'. These opportunities not only enabled me to learn and meet new people in the industry, but they also reflect the firm’s open and approachable culture.

Throughout the placement, there were also many social events to get involved in, such as a trainee lunch, drinks and even an evening at the escape rooms: Tick Tock Unlock! These events were great to socialise, get to know the trainees and just have fun! It was also a great opportunity to ask questions.

Pinsent Masons' open, friendly and supportive culture made it easy to settle in and make the most of the placement. I was given a wide range of high quality work, opportunities to sit in on training and negotiation calls and a true insight into how the firm operates. I would highly recommend the Vacation Placement to anyone thinking of applying.