Vacation Scheme Participant Review

It was an excellent insight into the company - the insight scheme was designed to give us additional information on how to break into the legal sector. I enjoyed being advised on how to make my future applications stand out, but I got the impression that other people on the insight were overly competitive. We had numerous activities every day, including an introduction into Pinsent Mason's specialities (corporate law) and networking opportunities at the end of each day.

Not too much academically as the theory of the law is very difference from its practice. However, from a professional viewpoint I have learnt some basic rules on how to conduct myself in the legal sector, and what steps I need to take to submit a successful application for a training contract, having failed to secure a contract at Pinsent Mason's. I also learnt how to network effectively with staff members at each level of a law firm.

I developed a thorough understanding of Pinsent Masons and how they stack up in relation to their major competitors. Pinsent Masons specialise in corporate law and as such, it hires a law number of trainees in areas such as competition and commercial law, from disciplines outside of Law. They are a very friendly firm, with a lot of collaboration between the different areas they operate in - obviously subject to usual client confidentiality agreements. This provides for an excellent environment for all of its employees.

Good but competitive - a lot of attendees gave me the impressive that they viewed others as competition. This created a hostile environment among some, and this was somewhat at odds with the generally very friendly environment that the firm likes to pride itself on. That said, the majority were very friendly. The staff worked hard to create a positively-themed insight day despite the high numbers in attendance, and gave us plenty on support prior to the day itself.

I enjoyed my insight day as it enabled my to see how Pinsent Masons differentiate themselves from other law firms and how we as candidates fits into their vision to become a key player in the industry. The fact that there were so many of us however, diminished our individual significance as it was like being a small fish in a big pond. I received some very good advice on how to conduct myself as an solicitor

Yes

Do not be deterred if you receive multiple rejections from law firms in your application cycle. The process is very competitive and so many otherwise great candidates miss out on a place at a vacation scheme. Focus your energies on making your applications as good as possible by asking for structured feedback from careers advisors. Learn from mock interviews about how best you can put yourself forward. Try and gain connections to the companies you are applying to.