Internship Review at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP

The Role

Role Description

I was at BLP for two weeks and had the opportunity to sit in two departments whilst I was there. I spent my first week sitting with an associate in Employment and my second week with an associate in Corporate Finance. During the course of the two weeks I engaged in a range of interesting and challenging tasks, including drafting, research, preparing bundles and attending meetings and training sessions. There was also a presentation to prepare for and an individual research project to complete.

I was assigned a trainee buddy in each of my departments who supervised my work and talked to me about their time at BLP. As well as having the chance to experience working life at BLP, there were lots of vacation scheme social events organised with HR and trainees from the firm.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I absolutely love BLP and had a fantastic time on the vacation scheme. The two weeks flew by and I honestly enjoyed every minute.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The people at BLP are the friendliest I've ever come across in a law firm. They are approachable and really welcoming and are always on hand to offer help and advice.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I felt supported all the way through my vacation scheme. It was incredibly well organised, which meant that I knew exactly what each day entailed, where I needed to be, and what was expected of me.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My supervising trainees had lots of work for me, and it was great to be able to go round the office and ask the other trainees and associates if they needed any help with anything. For any quieter moments we had our research projects to be getting on with, which meant that we were nearly always kept busy.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I felt that we were given loads of responsibility on the placement. All the work that I did was related to a particular case or client, so I had to make sure it was done to a good standard!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I'd already graduated from University but the skills and training I received at BLP and has really helped me on the GDL.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The atmosphere was hard-working and very committed but really friendly. People are always smiling and look as though they are genuinely happy to be there.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Incredibly well organised! HR did an amazing job! It was much better organised than other vacation schemes I have done, and it was loads more fun too.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was very fortunate to secure a training contract with BLP, and they are now sponsoring me through my GDL and LPC as well as giving me a grant for the next two years.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised Canteen

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I got a training contract and accepted so I'm extremely happy!

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The other vacation scheme students were a lot of fun, and I am still in touch with over half of them. I had a great time with them all and we would often go for a drink after work when there wasn't an organised event lined up. The social events organised by HR were great fun - softball in Hyde Park with Pimms and a picnic, a big night out in a local bar/club on the last night, and a formal lunch with some of the partners.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

London is expensive, but there are lots of places that are good value for eating and drinking - you just have to find them!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The City is a great place to be. There are plenty of bars and restaurants near BLP, and it's right on the river with fantastic views. There's also Borough market nearby, which is perfect for lunch!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There were lots of social events with the trainees, which were great fun! They included softball with Pimms and picnic, a quiz with drinks and buffet and drinks and food on the last night.

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 had a great two weeks at BLP, and I would definitely encourage you to apply!

Review 4/16 for Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP

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