Vacation Scheme Placement Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the firm and I would definitely recommend an application to Pinsents for anyone who is looking for a great place to work.

I've been told in the past that firms are 'friendly and approachable' etc, but it really was the case at Pinsents! All of the department (and the firm in general) made me feel like I was part of the team and tried their best to provide me with a good variety of work to undertake.

From my experience, I found that my department were really helpful in providing me with useful advice and guidance when needed. They were also great at giving me both feedback on the work undertaken, but more importantly, providing me with some constructive criticism to help me improve and develop my skills with my time at the firm.

I found that my schedule varied from day to day, depending on the urgency of the tasks I was completing, though there was rarely a time when I was sat with nothing to do (and the few occasions there were, a quick 'free capacity' email sorted the job!).

I was pleased to see that when the firm said we would be given a variety of work and responsibility with actual tasks that they meant it.

Having already completed my degree, it didn't assist with my studies, but the experience definitely helped to develop skills I can utilise in the future, for example, both my communication and drafting skills.

I quite like the atmosphere of my department. Obviously, hard work was required, but there was a relaxed and approachable feel tomy department which really made the experience much more enjoyable.

From speaking to friends and others who have undertaken Vac Schemes elsewhere, I think the organisation of Pinsents placement is extremely well organised and one of the better ones. At each stage of the process, there was a clear structure which helped me get the most from the Scheme, for example, our introductions to our 'trainee buddy' ahead of starting helped the transition into the firm run as smooth as possible and also allowed you some familiarity with the firm prior to starting.

We were given the usual IT/IS training etc during the induction days, but one other thing which the firm placed on for us were Practice Group Presentations each morning to help give us a wider exposure to departments other than those we were placed in and also to give us the opportunity to make contacts throughout the firm.

From speaking to many employees of the firm, there was quite a large number that completed their training with Pinsents and are still with the firm now, giving a good indication just how appealing the firm is. In terms of the Vac Scheme, the automatic consideration for a Training Contract through the use of formal and informal assessments during your second week of placements, as well as your performance in your department really helps with your employment prospects at the firm.

Given that you can spend quite a lot of time alongside your fellow trainees/vac scheme students, I was looking for a good social scene to see if I would enjoy that aspect of the firm also. Thankfully, the Trainee events which we attended were excellent and all who attended had a great time. The vac scheme students on my intake also had a great social scene, including organising drinks out after work throughout both weeks on several nights and also organising a meal to end our first week on placement.

I still had my student flat, so only really needed money for drinks/food etc, which were average price for the Leeds area.

Leeds has a great nightlife so there was plenty for the vac scheme students to do!

We were informed of the local opportunities for activities taking place whilst we were at the firm and we were able to get involved in as much/little as we preferred. Highlights included the 'Call My Bluff' Wine Tasting evening which was a great experience for a worthwhile cause.