Pinsent Masons Vacation Placement Student Review

I got to experience two different practice areas, My work was varied- I had a decent amount to do; I was neither overwhelmed nor bored. We were placed with a trainee buddy and supervisor who were responsible for checking up on us, and the trainees took us out for a social event, dinner and lunch. It gave me a very good insight about what life in a law firm is actually like.

The team in my first seat was smaller, so having a new person was more noticeable to them and therefore I felt more like part of their team. They knew if I had work and communicated with their colleagues about setting me tasks. They even circulated a summary note of recent regulatory changes round the office to use- so I definitely felt valued. Additionally, in my first week I was granted leave to attend a funeral of a close relative, so they valued me as a person, not just as an employee. My second department was larger, so I was not as noticeable and did not get to interact with all the team members in the same way I did in my first week. I still felt valued though.

A slight amount off being just right. Guidance was detailed and helpful, but there were a few occasions where they assumed too much prior knowledge and to ask for help would be the same as getting them to do the task for me (i.e. in research tasks).

Working in an office environment was very helpful. The research skills which I developed are certainly going to be useful in the future. I learnt a significant amount about Pinsent Masons, and this will influence my future career choices.

Excellently. I received a timetable of all the stuff I would be doing well in advance. The trainees and supervisors also knew what I would be doing, meaning the entire fortnight was very coherent. Overall, very well structured and organised.

The office was really friendly and the trainees helped create a relaxed atmosphere (especially as we had a training contract interview during the week). The solicitors enjoyed working with each other and this was reflected in the atmosphere.

The firm had two vacation placement students in the fortnight, and each of us had at least two people assigned to us, so in terms of hours, they invested a significant amount. Practically every morning we had a practice group presentation, demonstrating that they were willing to invest in us as potential trainee solicitors.

I was doing some of the work an actual solicitor would be doing (although not the technical bits which require a qualification). Therefore I had a good insight into a day in the life of a solicitor at Pinsent Masons.

There is no way you can experience an office environment without working in it. We were exposed to their friendly yet ambitious culture on a daily basis. Also, we had lunch with a partner and another lunch with the Starfish (charity) co-ordinator, demonstrating further the people focused culture of the firm.

It was extremely useful. I now have a greater knowledge of the firm, and what it would be like to work there. The work was interesting and has definitely informed me about which practice areas I prefer. Overall, very useful.

I got a weekly wage. I was living with relatives for the fortnight which is fortunate as I would have struggled to find somewhere to stay at a low enough price, and pay upfront if I left at the weekend to save on cost. I spent more than a day's worth of wages just on the bus ticket!

Yes- we had a partner lunch, the trainee solicitors took us out for meals etc. which provided many opportunities to network and ask questions about the firm. Everyone was really approachable. One solicitor even introduced himself to me as he had found out we came from the same home town.

Two meals, a partner lunch, a couple of special lunches and a trip to a comedy club. They were really fun and well organised. The networking events weren't as awkward as most of those events, with good conversation etc.

We heard about the Starfish initiative, the charity organisation in which Pinsent Masons gets involved. It is really encouraged by the firm to do those things, and get involved in charity events such as cycle rides with clients, coffee mornings, or more directly going and painting a room for a charity.

Yes, if they are interested in pursuing a career in commercial law, prepared to work hard and learn a considerable amount, this placement is for you. Overall the experience was brilliant. Apply, apply, apply!