Internship Review at Pinsent Masons LLP

The Role

Role Description

I was posted to the dispute resolution services group within the firm's construction team. I have no legal training, but was able to research companies to assist partners in making pitches, examined international arbitration cases for common themes, investigated aspects of construction delay in French civil law, and summarised a report on Sudanese law.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The work was relevant and rewarding, not just redoing something already completed by an employee.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The people were thoroughly supportive, taking time to explain issues to me, and incorporating me in social events. I felt like one of the team.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Although my main partner supervisor was unexpectedly busy on a case and had less time to talk with me than we would have hoped for, my trainee supervisor was excellent, and other partners filled the gap successfully.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was busy, but largely because I sought work and was given it. My work level was not easy, but a fairer reflection of a trainee workload.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given a lot of responsibility for someone with no legal training, but not more than was appropriate.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I left the placement with much improved awareness of legal research.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The atmosphere was focussed on work, but people were sociable and happy to talk when possible. I didn't expect otherwise.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The 2 weeks ran smoothly without any significant hiccup.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The firm made a real effort to teach me more about commercial law and the specifics of my department.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Subsidised Canteen

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

If offered a training contract, I would accept immediately on the basis of my placement experience.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

In a previous placement the group of vacation students were more closely knit, but it depends on the people - I integrated myself more with the existing trainees.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

London, what more can you say?

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Not a major priority, but London has excellent nightlife.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Socialising, sports matches.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I would recommend the firm on the basis of this placement, and the placement itself was an excellent experience.

Review 114/115 for Pinsent Masons LLP

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