Bright Sparks Insight Week Review

The work experience was a brilliant opportunity and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having the chance to speak and engage with legal professionals was hugely beneficial. I was able to gain a true insight into the legal world and hone key skills that will definitely help me in the future, regardless of what legal path I go down. I have left the work experience with more confidence and the week has made the profession seem a lot more accessible.

Every session started and ended with a catch-up, where we spoke to [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] and reflected on any challenges or things we had enjoyed. This was really great as we were able to share with others what we were looking forward to, or just generally talk about anything, such as plans and aspirations. I think that this, in particular, confirmed my ambition that I would like to work at a firm, like Stephenson Harwood, in the future as the culture and just how supportive and friendly the people are made the whole experience really enjoyable. This was something that stood out for me.

The support each of us received during and beyond the work experience has been hugely beneficial. Something that I loved most about the week was that many of the sessions have been specifically tailored to helping us develop as individuals. For instance, the individual CV sessions and one to one mock interviews were fantastic as I was able to learn a lot about myself in the process. I think that the support was hugely empowering and the fact that Stephenson Harwood actively encourages state-school students from disadvantaged backgrounds like myself has really motivated me.

The week has benefited me immensely as I was able to deepen my understanding of the various legal roles and paths to working in the legal sector. There were many more than I had anticipated and often hurdles along the way, which I have learnt through speaking to the various mentors and trainees at the firm. This taught me that the path to a legal career is often not linear, but also that I should not be deterred by anything that sets me apart from others, such as coming from a state-school or low-income background. Rather, I should use this to motivation to get to where I want to be. Reflecting on the week, I have been filled with determination, which I believe will greatly assist me in my future studies.

The work experience week was very well planned, and as a result, was a really enjoyable experience. The timetable that was given to each of us was really beneficial, as it allowed us to clearly see what sort of activities we had next, whether group or one to one. The level of organisation from those running the sessions was something I really appreciated and was particularly great, as it demonstrated to me the skills of time management and planning that are necessary for any career in the legal sector.

The general atmosphere during the week was really great as the sessions were really engaging. Over the course of the week, it was lovely to get to know and work in collaboration with the others on my project team. Everyone was really eager to learn and ask questions, which meant that we were able to get the most out of the sessions. It was especially helpful to be able to talk to [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] and others on the future talent team whenever we had a query. Everyone was very approachable and genuinely willing to offer us support and guidance.

My week at Stephenson Harwood was particularly great because of how tailored it was to help us develop as an individual. We were encouraged to set goals for ourselves and work on the feedback given. The one to one interview session was particularly helpful as I was able to identify and reflect on areas that I can develop and make a plan of action. This will be particularly helpful in the future and is a skill that I can transfer to any legal career path I go down.

The work experience demonstrated to me that there are various skills that are required to thrive in a legal career. Particularly within Stephenson Harwood, the ability to take on new goals and improve yourself is something that stood out to me, and the work experience showed me that it is important to think innovatively, and adapt as the environment at Stephenson Harwood is very dynamic and requires you to adapt and work to overcome any obstacles.

The work experience allowed me to appreciate the importance of the culture of a law firm, which was something I had not really given too much consideration. At Stephenson Harwood, from speaking to various individuals from different parts of the firm, it is clear that everyone is from different backgrounds and this diversity helps give different perspectives to the work at the firm. Everyone was very inviting and approachable, which helped me to understand that I would like to work somewhere in the future, such as Stephenson Harwood, where everyone is eager to help and I feel supported in my role, which it was clear the employees do.

After the work experience, I have realized that a career in law and at a law firm, such as Stephenson Harwood, is suited for me. I believe that taking part in the work experience demonstrated to me that it is possible and within the reach of state-school students, and those from different backgrounds to aspire and aim to work at firms such as Stephenson Harwood. The content was extremely valuable in helping me decide my future career path, as although I appreciate that the law is a competitive profession to access, the work experience filled me with determination.

There were plenty of opportunities for networking and meeting others. It was really brilliant to be able to speak with trainees, associates, and partners in the firm. Working alongside like-minded individuals was great, and the team project was particularly brilliant in this as we were able to get to know others our age. This in particular demonstrated to me that I am not alone, and there are many other ambitious individuals from similar backgrounds to me.

The networking opportunities were brilliant and despite the programme being held virtually, we were able to and encouraged to keep in contact and speak to the trainees, associates and partners who had kindly given up their time to speak to us. We were able to have one to one sessions in break out rooms where we learnt about the path that those working at the firm had taken and reflect on where we would like our studies and future studies to take us. This was really great as I was made aware of the different legal careers and pathways, many of which I had not been previously knowledgeable on.

Speaking to my mentor, trainee buddy and associates informed me of the various activities and socialising opportunities at Stephenson Harwood. Even throughout the lockdown, we were told that members of the firm had been running zoom quiz nights, and other social events, which sounded really enjoyable. This made me appreciate the importance of staying connected and building relationships with others in a work environment, as not only is this beneficial for the work you do, but it also is great to know that you can approach anyone and have a network of support available at Stephenson Harwood as an employee.

I would definitely recommend the work experience to other students out there who are considering a career in the legal sector. I was able to gain a true and invaluable insight into the legal world, how to get there, and what expectations there are. This opportunity has provided state-school students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, like me, the chance to explore various professions, demystifying my misconceptions. A legal career now seems a lot more accessible and.