Internship Review at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP

The Role

Role Description

During the scheme I was assigned to two departments, one in each week, and placed with a Trainee Solicitor who was my 'buddy'. I was given tasks to do involving legal research, proof-reading of contracts, client correspondence and maintaining files for individual clients. Work was given to be my Partners, Associates and Trainees so there was a complete variety.

As a scheme student I also attended workshops on every department within the firm so that we learnt a great deal about the day-to-day work of BLP as well as about some of their clients. We also learnt about the pro-bono programme and were given talks by Trainees on the LPC+ and their life as a Trainee in the firm.

We also completed a report that was part or our assessment which involved a client of the firm. Our brief was to prepare a report for them on a current issue, as we would if giving legal advice to a client.

I played netball with the firm's netball team, had lunch with the Partner's, played softball in Hyde Park, and was treated to a couple of nights out during the two weeks!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

We were encouraged to enjoy ourselves as well as get the most out of the placement by working hard. You spent a lot of time with fellow Vac Schemers so bonded very quickly. I absolutely loved my time at the firm!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was made to feel like the jobs I was doing were important and I was never stuck doing photocopying for hours or other such menial tasks. I was given praise when things were done well and thanked by people for helping which helped my confidence in doing things I had never done before.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

If I had a problem I could ask my Trainee buddy. All the trainees were very helpful and made sure you knew what you were doing at all times, as well as taking you for lunch and out in teh evening! The Graduate Recruitment Team were brilliant in making sure that we knew where we were meant to be, at what time, and what for, making organising yourself very easy. Any questions you had could be asked and everyone was very open to each other.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was never in need of something to do as there were always things put on my desk. Some departments are busier than others but the Trainees made sure that I had jobs to be doing as well as making sure I was not overloaded with things.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

As a Vac Scheme student you could not expect to be dealing with important issues or dealing with clients and such like, but the essence was very much in relying on what you had to say. Any research that I did on legal issues was taken and used, and any documents I made went straight into client files. Once my letter style had been corrected I was allowed to write a various range of correspondence. You are definietely not there to make the tea and the emphasis is on giving us a true lawyer experience.

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 learnt an incredible amount on my placement. Not being a law student meant that some things were incredible alien to be but things have slotted into place now I have begun my law conversion. Working in an office and interacting with people of all levels of seniority meant that your social and working skills are naturally matured. Talks we were given on commercial awareness and on the firm's departments were also very educational and gave you an idea of where law fits into the workings of everday business dealings worldwide.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Whilst the work being done was serious, and was treated as such, the people I came across were cheerful, friendly and made me feel welcome. People made an effort to get to know me and as a result you built up some good relationships with those you interacted with in the firm. Playing softball, partaking in a quiz night, and going out in the evening with trainees, associates and Partners meant that you saw that everyone had a fun side that they could keep in and out of the office.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There were never any problems of hitches and the placement had clearly had alot of thought put into how it was run. We were guided through the two weeks and kept entertained on various evenings as well as several lunch times!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Following the Placement I was given a Training Contract which will cover my studies and maintenance whilst I am doing my conversion. I was also paid during my placement and left with a much fuller understanding of how a law firm works.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I had my final interview at the firm on the Wednesday of the second week. The interview was actually quite fun and involved a stimulating debate, so much so that you did not feel as if you were being interviewed in the conventional sense. I was told I had been successful the following week, I think I screamed down the phone!

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Social events included, a quiz with Associates, Partners and Trainees, a softball match, a night out to a bar, a 3 course lunch with the Partners, and final drinks on the last day. Everything was amply catered for in terms of food and drink so we were very well looked after!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I lived at home so I had no living expenses but I did pay for my travel. This was covered several times over by the Scheme payment so was not a problem. Everytime we did something with the firm we did not have to pay anything for food or drink so everything was free. When we went out to the area around the office (Monument/London Bridge) we paid London prices for things but that is to be expected.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very buzzing area to be in. Lots of offices and bars/restaurants/nightlife/shops to go to.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I played netball for the firm on one of the evenings which was great fun as I am a keen netballer!

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?

It is important to take the Scheme seriously but also to make sure you enjoy it as much as possible because that way you will get everythings you can from it.

Review 3/14 for Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP

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