Vacation Scheme Student Review

This placement really did exceed my expectations. It ensured that we were provided with an accurate and true overview of the firm and the work that it does. The nature and the amount of work that I was given was tailored to my experience and various social events were arranged so that we could get to know staff within the firm in a more informal environment also.

I was not made to feel that I was burden to my team or anybody else in the firm. My colleagues were extremely welcoming and supportive of me throughout this placement and were quite happy to take time from their busy schedules to have a chat with me and answer and questions that I had, whether this be work related or more generally. I was given work to complete on live matters which would then be used to advise the client thus illustrated that my input was valued and appreciated.

I was provided with both a trainee buddy and a supervisor. Before my placement commenced I received numerpus e-mails from my trainee buddy introducing herself and providing an introduction to the firm. This was a brilliant ice breaker and made me feel more relaxed about meeting the team on my first day. I therefore shared my trainee buddy's supervisor who was very constructive; she would continually provide advice and support and share with me hints and tips throughout the placement.

My trainee was excellent in ensuring that I always had a task to complete and that I was never left to twiddle my thumbs. One of my objectives was to obtain a true understanding of what the work in my team entailed and my trainee made certain that the work that she gave me was varied enough to achieve this. I was rarely given the same or similar task to do twice.

I have been assisting on live matters throughout my placement and so the work that I have completed has been used to advise clients. I have not just been delegated mundane admin tasks to complete but have been given the level of work that a trainee would be expected to do.

The placement has most definitely served to motivate me to perform well in final year as it has confirmed that I would really like to work in a commercial firm of this calibre in the future. The whole process is about learning and I feel that, because the staff have taken the time to support and advise me, I have been able to develop all of my relevant skills such as knowledge of a particular area, time and project management, drafting and attention to detail.

The firms values are emulated through the culture and the atmosphere within the office. There was an appreciation of the need to work hard but the social element was also evident. Everybody is very approachable which serves to maintain a good atmosphere.

I received a welcome pack before the placement started which included an itinery for the two week programme and I was also e-mailed by my trainee buddy. The first induction day was held in the London headquarters in which everybody on the placement from all of the offices attended. Here we were provided with all of necessary information that was needed. All of the events that were arranged were well organised and ran to schedule.

The firm ensured that we received a practice presentation from every group within the firm to ensure that we obtained an overview of the work and types of clients that the firm represents. In terms of personal training, my trainee buddy made certain that on every piece of work that I compelted, I received constructive feedback.

The firm has recently merged with McGrigors and so has a more focussed strategy moving forwards. Pinsent Masons is now ranked 12th in the UK because of this, making them well placed for further growth in these uncertain times. I think that as the firm puruses growth in continental Europe, Asia and the Gulf, as well as further development in the UK, there will inevitably be more job opportunities available. This is very appealing in the economic downturn and at a time when many other firms are struggling.

As a group we all got on extremely well. There were various social events which were arranged, such as bowling and going to a comedy club, where we could go out and get to better know the trainees in the firm. A partner lunch was also arranged for us to ensure that we had an opportunity to network with more senior members of the firm and ask them any questions.

I live in Birminham city centre and so the cost of living and socialising was no different to what I am used to experiencing.

Birmingham is a buzzing city and so there is something to suit all when it comes to nightlife.

We were asked if we wanted to represent the firm in the sporting events and leagues that they are part of. We were also offered the opportunity to volunteer to assist with its CR programme.