Vacation Placement Student Review

A superb vacation scheme. Very well structured with friendly and engaged employees at all levels.

The overwhelming majority of people I met were eager to give me interesting, varied work and support me if I needed it. They were happy to put my tasks into a wider perspective to help me understand the bigger picture and what the team was trying to achieve.

I had an excellent Trainee Buddy and Associate Mentor who were on-hand to help me with any questions and guide me during the placement with regard to the practical side of things. The GR team was also very helpful and more than happy to provide extra information or guidance where necessary.

I feel that my confidence in and knowledge of the legal sector has improved significantly. I was able to hone skills such as time management, being detail-conscious, and my commercial awareness.

The insight was very well structured. There were many events that were organised for us to get a feel for different practice areas, as well as social events with everyone from partners to trainees. We were constantly well informed and the GR team was undoubtably the most competent of any other I have had contact with. The assessments for the training contract were spread throughout the two weeks, which is testament to the thought given to the vacation scheme's structure; being able to demonstrate your competencies across three assessments is far better than a two-hour interview at the end.

The atmosphere was professional and dedicated, but without stuffy hierarchies and pomposity. There was a very 'down to earth' and genuine atmosphere in which people seemed to enjoy their work and get on well with their colleagues.

Of course, this was only a two week vacation scheme so you shouldn't expect them to give you specialist training. However, I had two meetings with my supervisor in which we set targets for me to meet and skills I could develop over the two weeks. In this sense, the firm seemed genuinely interested in my own personal development during my time with them.

The vacation scheme was invaluable. By the end, I knew Pinsent Masons was the firm for me. I was able to experience a range of aspects of the life of a trainee solicitor, from proofreading and researching to attending a completion meeting and client drinks. I spoke to many trainees and got a sense of what their day-to-day workloads were like and their impressions of their life at the firm.

Working at the firm for two weeks gave me a very good impression of the culture: I knew Pinsent Masons talked the talk in its brochure, and I was pleased to see that it also delivered on the day-to-day life at the office. We had presentations on Corporate Responsibility and other initiatives that the firm had, as well as the firm's values.

I was assured of my career path by participating in the vacation scheme.

I was paid £250 a week.

There were many social events with employees of all levels, including a trainee social event, a partner lunch, and the Summer BBQ!

Very relaxed and gave opportunities to ask questions and generally chat. Most people I came across were open and friendly.

Lots of presentations and emails during the placement regarding activities, including pro bono work and softball matches.

I would recommend the Pinsent Masons vacation scheme to a friend without a shadow of a doubt. It was incredibly well structured, and the firm appears to be a fantastic employer.