Vacation Placement Student Review

The placement gave me a realistic perspective of life as a trainee within a particular Practice Area. In this respect I enjoyed the insight as it was a genuine reflection of the work a trainee might undertake.

Within my particular Practice Area I undertook a range of genuine assignments. The work I produced was valued and in many instances was the solution/ email/ letter that subsequently was forwarded to the client. Every task requested of me was meaningful and necessary and I therefore took pride in my work and certainly felt valued when it was acknowledged.

The firm assigns each Vacation Placement student a buddy and a mentor in their Practice Area. The buddy contacts you and introduces themselves prior to the commencement of the placement, so any initial questions can often be answered before you set foot in the door. Your first point of contact is your buddy, and your supervisor (who is also the trainee buddy's supervisor) takes on a slightly more formal role and is available to consult on any other issues. I also received a great deal of guidance and was assigned a lot of work from other members of the Practice Area, who were always willing to assist me in the tasks I undertook.

I don't think there is a better way to assist me in my studies and pursuance of a career in commercial law than to actually complete a placement in a commercial firm. I learnt many of the skills required of a trainee and was given constructive feedback at every stage of the placement. I became aware of what my strengths and weaknesses were and how to go about enhancing or refining these. The placement also confirmed for me whether a career in a commercial law firm is suited to me, and this isn't something I'd be able to confirm if I hadn't had such an insight.

Prior to the placement I recieved several emails from graduate recruitment and my trainee buddy. These introduced me to the firm and explained what would happen in the initial days of my placement. When the placement began we were provided with timetables detailing Practice Presentations, social events and assessment days and times. On the few occasions that times were altered we were given advance warning that meant no disruption or confused was caused. The timetable was also useful in planning ahead and staying organised and on top of the workload from my Practice Area.

The atmosphere was very positive. It was apparent that my colleagues got on well both at a professional and a personal level. This attitude also applied to Vacation Placement students, and we were made to feel very much part of the firm and of our individual Practice Areas. This was important and certainly gave me confidence to produce work of a high standard and to remain enthusiastic in my approach to every piece of work,

Within my Practice Area I was provided with the support and guidance I required. However I also received Practice Presentations from other Practice Areas of the firm, and these were a brilliant way of exposing Vacation Placement students to what else goes on in the firm. The social events were also great for getting to know colleguaes in an environment that wasn't centered on work. It was evident the firm wanted to get to know us as individuals.

I think a three week placement was just enough time to truly feel like a member of the team with regards to carrying out work with less need for guidance, as my knowledge grew and I became more competent and familiar with databases and computer systems, etc. However by working and consulting regularly with my trainee buddy, I was able to observe their day to day workload

The combination of work and social events gave me a clear insight into the company's culture.

The three week placement clearly confirmed for me that I wish to pursue a career in a commercial law firm.

On the final day we were given two cheques, one for travel expenses and the other for wages.

Partner and trainee lunches and social events, both official and unofficial, were great opportunitis for meeting colleagues and networking.

The social events ranged from lunches to after-work social evenings to cocktail making to a BBQ after work on the second Friday of my Vacation Placement. I really enjoyed engaging with collegues on an informal level out with office hours.

I found out that there were sports teams that played weekly, but that these ended last year. However I also found out that about a dozen employees across every level of seniority were training for an upcoming nationwide sporting event.

Definitely. If you want to pursue a career in commercial law, Pinsent Masons will give you the opportunity to take on this role and decide for yourself whether your career aspirations were suited to you or not. Either way, the result is worthwhile.