Internship Review at Mayer Brown International LLP

The Role

Role Description

During my time at the firm, I sat first in pensions with a Partner for a week and a half, and then in Real Estate with an Associate for another week and a half. I assisted on matters giving me first-hand experience of life in an International law firm, with tasks such as drafting documents, making phonecalls to Companies House, and some proof reading.
I also worked with fellow Work Experience Programme students on a project designed to test research skills, exposing me to a broad range of practice areas and international offices.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The work was challenging, and I found the atomosphere a little intimidating at first although this may have been because I had never done a vacation scheme before. The work was very exciting though and I felt challenged but in a positive way. I also found the manjority of people I came into contact with friendly and fairly approachable.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Some of my colleagues were very busy and did not always have time to explain things to me, or give me work to do. My direct supervisor seemed to value my contributions though, to the extent that I had much to contribute (not being qualified).

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The graduate recruitment staff in charge of overseeing my supervision were very approachable and gave me a lot of useful information.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The fact I had an independent research project to be getting on with meant that I always had something to do, even when my supervisor was too busy to find other tasks for me during the day.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

I do not feel it would have been appropriate to give me any more responsibility, given that I am not yet qualified as a solicitor and I was not there long enough to know enough about what I was doing.

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 definitely became far more knowledgeable about the workings of an International Law firm, I also found specific knowledge I learned in Pensions and Real Estate which will help me with Trusts and Land law.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

A friendly, but hardworking and quiet atmosphere.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The graduate recruitment department seemed very in control of the scheme, and the timetable of events that we were given at the start of the scheme was not diverted from throughout.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• International Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events

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

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 1/10

They did not offer me a training contract.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Very expensive to live near to the office, although the firm paid for most of the social events.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There were a few decent bars and clubs nearby, as well as a bowling alley.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Many presentations at lunch time and after work socials.

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?

The trip to Belgium part way through was a definite highlight.

Review 1/34 for Mayer Brown International LLP

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