Work Experience Student Review

Each day I was assigned to a department within the firm; ranging from commercial dispute resolution, construction, employment law and property/real estate. The trainee within that department would assign me a few tasks; varying from legal research to assisting with settlement meetings to writing documents for on-going cases. The trainees were remarkably helpful; constantly ensuring that I felt comfortable with what I was doing, making themselves available to answer any of my questions and at the end of each day reviewing my work. It wasn't that the work I was doing was always of high priority; but the whole firm made me feel as if I was; making me feel as important to the company as any other colleague. Not only were the tasks extremely insightful; but the guidance offered to me in how to approach them was of even more help.

I have definitely became better at communicating in a professional manner, in particular in relation to where I need help. In the past, if I needed help with a certain element of work, I would try to persevere through my struggles. However, in Gateley, you are always being asked with how you're getting on and if you need any assistance. Everyone within the firm is so good at making everything as clear and as understandable as possible; which has not been very common throughout my experience. In other firms I have been to, it has been a matter of 'you should know what this means already.' Communicating always seems simple, but rarely it is done to the best that can be done. In Gateley, their communication is brilliant and I feel as if I have opened myself up more to taking the help when I need it.

On our first day, we sat through a range of talks including some time spent going through the training contract process in place. As well, throughout the week, the trainees were more than happy to discuss how they found their specific journey to Gateley and insight on how they went about it. I believe I have a very good understanding of how Gateley hire and the potential roles they will have available in the future.

The general atmosphere was always upbeat. I cannot think of a moment during my time spent at Gateley where there was a sour, awkward or tense moment. The firm genuinely feels like a team; cracking jokes at each other, poking fun where it can be done and everyone getting on with each other. We went for lunch twice during the week and went for drinks once after work, and having only known these people for less than a week, it felt as if I had known them my whole life! Everyone wanted to get to know me, and made me feel as if I belonged here. It is almost like one big family.

10/10 enjoyed it. Compared to other work experiences I have done, this one definitely was the best. The people were great, the work was extremely interesting, the exposure was phenomenal and the social aspect was briliiant. Overall, it was everything I expected and more from the 5 days work experience; packing in even more than I expected. It definitely raises the standard for what I would expect out of a work experience, and I what recommend Gateley any day of the week.

Yes

I would tell them that if they are genuinely intending on working as a solicitor, or even if they weren't entirely sure if law is for them; to apply for a work experience week at Gateley. Prior to Gateley, I already knew I wanted to become a solicitor, but it made me even more excited at the prospect of working as a solicitor in an exceptional firm such as Gateley. If you are unsure if you want to be a solicitor; experiencing a week in Gateley could definitely open your eyes to the idea of what it is like to work in a prestigious, high performing firm.