Vacation Scheme Student Review

It was the first summer vacation scheme I did and it certainly set a high standard for the rest.

All the colleagues in my department were extremely helpful and were more than willing to spend time explaining and giving feedback on the work I had done.

My 'trainee buddy' was really useful in giving me support for the work that I had to do, offering advice for assessments and little hints and tips to make sure I left a good impression. Several other associates and solictors were also really generous in offering to answer any questions or going through anything before the formal assessments.

There was always something to do which was great, I never felt like I was a nuisance. There was often more than one piece of work that I was working on which kept my days varied.

I hadn't studied law before undertaking my placement so I was not expecting a great deal of responsibility but during the second week I was given a smaller matter which I was primarily responsible for.

I utilised and developed lots of key skills during my time: team work, time management, attention to detail, presentation but probably most importantly communication and people skills.

Although the other people in my work pod were on holiday during my placement the open plan layout of the whole office meant that I didn't feel isolated. People were busy but not so much that they didn't stop to have a chat or offer to make the tea!

We had a detailed breakdown of everything that we would be doing and the trainee rep kept us updated almost daily on the social events for the week. There was a bit of an issue with timing on the assessment day but I think this was due to a new setup becuase of the firm's recent merger and graduate recruitment kept us well informed of the delays.

Many of the practice presentations at the beginning of teh day were interactive and gave me a real insight into the work that I might get involved in as a trainee.

Pinsent Masons is definately one of most forward looking and ambitious firms which means lots of people are keen to get in now. The firm attracts lots of excellent candidates so it's really hard to judge whether I will be offered a training contract.

I was invited to lots of different social events throughout my placement; some organised my the trainees, others by the department and becuase our intake of students got on really well with eachother we organised events among ourselves.

Living and socialising in Leeds is a lot cheaper than London but most of the social events were run by the firm so they were free!

I've been in Leeds for 3 years attending the university so I know what to expect from the nightlife. It was nice though to go to the more sophisticated bars in Leeds.

There was an opportunity to play hockey one night against one of the firm's clients but if you were not that sporty there was not much option.