Vacation Scheme Student Review

I carried out various research tasks on how recent changes in the renewable sector might affect Pinsent Masons clients in this sector. I also reviewed planning permission documents to assess whether further evidence of compliance was required by our clients. Throughout the placement interns also took part in various sessions and presentations conducted by solicitors at the firm and further a field.

I developed my general understanding of the renewable sector and how the law is applied to the sector. I learned about the value of networking and how to network successfully. I also developed my use of legal software including iManage and Aderent.

We learned a lot about how Pinsent Masons tries to provide an all-round service to their clients from legal advise, to tax, to business development. We were also made aware of the different opportunities to take secondments with PM clients or part take in the vario scheme.

I felt that everyone was very approachable and friendly, particularly at lunch time. However, the thing that stood out to me the most was that when looking around the open plan office I could not tell who was a PA, who was a paralegal and who was a Partner. Which really emphasised the lack of hierarchy.

Due to the nature of the internship being a stepping stone for a traineeship, I definitely felt nervous and somewhat under pressure but I was soon made to feel very supported and welcomed.

Yes

I thought Pinsent Masons was way out of my league and I nearly didn’t apply! So my advice would be to take the chance and try to get your personality across in your application. It is often the one that you least expected.