Vacation Scheme student Review

I have great fun the office and the after work activities the trainees organised were brilliant. It enjoyed it as I felt I was gaining great experience and was valued.

I felt extremely valued and was trusted with a variety of work, even client contact.

My assigned trainee buddy was helping me every step of the way and other lawyers in a range of positions from trainee to partner were willing to spend the time answering any questions I may have.

Good time management and attention to detail were two key skills that I developed in the placement and will certainly use these in my degree and in the workplace in the future. Also, it was great to get some more experience at presentations and interviews.

The programme was well structured and we were informed very early on of our timetable for the two weeks. I feel the training contract assessments could have been better placed within the two weeks though.

The general atmosphere was fantastic. There was great camaraderie in the department I was in and throughtout the firm. I think the open plan lay out really helps to create a sociable atmostphere.

The presentations of the practice areas were not great in some instances and I would have liked to attend a workshop or two, possibly on presentation technique or how to interact with clients.

I felt like this was 2 weeks in the life of a trainee solicitor. Everyone I spoke to gave me a great insight into what kind of lives they lead.

I think the culture at Pinsent Masons is evident right from the very first day. The open plan helps you to observe the culture more than is possible in other firms with a more tradition layout.

As much as two weeks experience can do, I think the work I was given showed me the typical tasks of a trainee and I could observe how higher placed lawyers went about their day to day activities. It did help to confirm that I wanted to be a lawyer due to how much I enjoyed the varied work.

I, and many of my collegues I expect, spent a significant amount on travel and accomodation as I do not live in London. Although I was paid this barely covered my expenses.

The organised social events and practice presentation were an opportunity to network but not with a wide selection of people. The parter lunch was the best networking event. Although I got to know many people in my department, I didn't meet many from outside the department.

Overall very good but it would have been better if more trainees attended the organsied social events.

Yes, from corporate responsibility to rowing competitions.

Yes, it was extremely valuable in terms of my future career, personal experience and development and meeting like-minded people.