Vacation Placement Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the insight. Having the opportunity to get involved in challenging work for high profile clients was extremely exciting. I was able to put lots of the knowledge which I have learned throughout my University career into practice and gain invaluable first-hand experience of how a big, international commercial law firm operates on a daily basis. What I enjoyed the most about the insight was having the chance to work within such a leading firm and learn from such leading individuals, which I found to be very inspiring.

I immediately felt extremely welcome within my team and within the office as a whole. Everyone throughout the firm made a big effort to get to know me and really took the time to explain the work which I was given. Everyone was extremely approachable and friendly and very willing to answer any questions which I had. I was included in all of the team/office social events, including lunches, office dress down days, office drinks and nights out, which made me feel like a very valued and integral part of the team for the short time that I was there.

During the insight I received a very high level of guidance and support. I was given a trainee buddy and a supervisor who were always finding work for me to do and constantly looking for things for me to get involved in. Everyone was extremely helpful, patient and supportive and I felt as though I could ask anyone a question, no matter how silly it was. Everyone was also very willing to teach me about the different areas of work which the firm does, and about areas of law generally, which is invaluable knowledge to have going into my final honours year.

The insight was very focused around developing our knowledge of the firm. The practice presentations were extremely useful and have given me a much more informed insight into the seats which I would like to do as a trainee and the area of law which I would like to eventually qualify into. The information which I learned during the placement has also influenced the honours subjects which I have chosen to study in my 4th year at University. During the insight I was also able to develop key skills - mainly teamwork, organisation and communication skills - which proved to be crucial skills to show on a day to day basis within such a busy and fast-paced law firm.

The insight was extremely well structured. On the first day of the placement we were given a student handbook and a timetable which set out exactly what was happening each day. Every morning we were given a practice presentation for an hour and then we spent the rest of the day working in our practice groups. Each week we had social evenings organised for us which gave us a really good chance to get to know the trainees.

The general atmosphere and culture within Pinsent Masons was great. Everyone within the firm is so friendly and approachable and it is a very welcoming and tight knit team.