Vacation Scheme student Review

A great experience, everyone was very friendly and supportive!

I was given 'real' work from day 1 and I felt like a trainee at the firm.

My trainee buddy spent a lot of time supporting me and was always willing to take time to answer questions and clarify anything I needed.

I have completed my degree and I am already working as a paralegal, therefore I already have a good insight of what a trainee role entails. However, the trainees at Pinsent Masons gave an honest opinion of the responsibilites they were given and the work/ life balance.

Very structure, everythign ran smoothly bar a few practice presentations and one social (in which we had to re-arrange last minute)

Everyone was very friendly and approachable and happy to help and wanted to know more about me and my background.

I did not attend and personal training courses, however, I did attend client training sessions. We also had an IT session on the first day and we had access to training material via the firm's intranet. This material was very useful especially in terms of interview prep.

Everyone at the firm is very honest about working hours and what the job entails and although I did not work as late as some of my peers I was able to gauge a feeling of the working culture.

The meals and socials with trainees allowed me to receive an 'off the record' account of how the firm works and operates. We were also given a talk by the managing partner who gave an honest account of the firms visions and values and how the firm is attempting to meet these. Alongside this, my supervisor has trained with the firm and progressed within it and she also was happy to describe the culture.

I am now 100% sure that I want to pursue a career in a regional, full service, commercial law firm. My experience helped me to confirm this as the work was engaging, the experiences employees told were invaluable and the atmosphere was great.

I was paid 500 pounds before tax.

There were several socials and offices drinks every friday and we were encouraged to email people from different departments if we want to know more. Alongside this, I met several employees through the practice presentations (which the firm takes very seriously and are very invaluable)

Everyone at the socials were very friendly and ready to talk to about their experiences. We had socials with the trainees once a week and an office social one a week. Alongside this, there are several sporting activities vacation scheme students can get involved in. I was also invited to informal after work drinks and dinner.

I took part in netball and had the opportunity to take part in a range of sports (including hockey, footbal and cricket). Alongside this we were given a CSR talk and they mentioned several activities we could take part in as trainees. We were also told that if we have any suggestions for new ideas we could bring these to the table.

I would recommend the vacation scheme, especially to people who are unsure about pursuing a career in law.