Vacation Placement Review

I loved my time at Pinsent Masons. It was my first vacation scheme and I felt like it was a great introduction to a commercial law firm, especially as everyone was so friendly.

I was doing trainee work throughout, I was never just given tasks for the sake of it and this made me feel like the firm actually cared about our experience and helping us get the most out of it.

I had a trainee buddy and a supervisor whom I could always go to and ask questions. The majority of my work came from my buddy but when she didn't have work for me to do she always asked the paralegals and associates if they had anything I could help out with so I was never bored.

As I said, the work was trainee work so I think the skills I learnt will certainly come in handy, especially if I do a seat in the same department as my placement.

Very well structured. There were practice presentations each morning so, despite the fact that the fortnight was spent in one department, you got a real feel for the other teams and the work they undertake. There was a real focus throughout the presentations on the work a trainee would be doing so the information we were given was really useful, especially if we were to get the training contract and have to make seat choices.

There was a really open feel about the office and a friendly atmosphere. The team I was working in were quite busy over the two weeks I was there so often you could feel like there was a lot of pressure on them but that didn't stop everyone being helpful and nice.

I was shown how to do the task I'd been given and this was always explained clearly. If I had any questions I knew I could always ask. However, once I'd been taught how to do something I was expected to get on with it which I found great - it meant I could give things a go without being hand held as someone would always check my work and give me feedback.

I think the placement gave me a great insight as I met people from all different roles and feel I definitely got to know the general work of a trainee.

Working in the same department for two weeks, yet getting exposure to other departments, was great as I felt I got a great general impression of the firm's culture. The culture was also one I liked and easily saw myself fitting in to.

The presentations we got, as well as the in-depth experience of being in the same department for two weeks, meant I was given a lot of information about the firm. Speaking to associates and partners also helped me see the path within the firm as many people had trained there so this was a good sign.

I was paid £500 for the two week placement. I was also reimbursed my travel expenses for the day we had to go to London for a group introduction.

There were office drinks put on both Fridays we were there as they put them on more often for the vacation placement. We also had a partner lunch which was an opportunity to meet partners we'd not interacted with before as well as two social evenings with trainees which proved to be a lot of fun. On the first day in London we also had a networking lunch where we spoke to partners in the London office which was a great opportunity.

I really enjoyed them. There was a social evening with the trainees each week of the placement and it was nice to get to know trainees other than your buddy as well as other vac scheme students. We went for dinner and bowling in the first week then dinner and a comedy club in the second, both of which were really fun nights out.

I didn't really hear much first hand from people but I did have a look at the firm's intranet where there's a list of everything you can get involved with.

I loved my time at Pinsent Masons and would highly recommend it. Everyone was so friendly and I really felt like the quality of work I was doing was worthwhile and valuable.