Solicitor Review

The work I was given to do was interesting and varied. I rarely had to do the same job twice and so there wasn't much opportunity to be bored. The work also often gave me a chance to look into issues significant in the world at large, which made it much more engaging than it could have been.

The department I was placed in was very friendly and I felt comfortable in it very quickly. Most people within the department were very forthcoming with work for me to do, which made me feel like a valuable part of the team.

Trainees and solicitors were always available and happy to answer any questions I had. When I was set work, I always felt that I understood the task I had been set and how to carry it out. Furthermore, there were plenty of opportunities to ask about the legal career path in general.

I felt I learnt a lot both about legal work itself and about how to function in an office environment. These skills will hopefully set me up well for a career in law.

Most things were very well organised and I always knew where I had to go. This was despite the fact that there was a great deal of disruption in the offices due to building work. We were given a detailed timetable for the whole week, including the groups we would be split into for assessment activities, so everything was evidently well planned in advance.

I felt that the atmosphere was a good mix, with the serious business atmosphere predominant but with enough of an element of fun that it didn't feel stuffy. This was what I was hoping for.

Most of the work I was set gave me the chance to actually gain knowledge of the areas in which the department is currently working. The assessment activities were also educational about the work which solicitors carry out.

Some aspects, such as the full working hours and higher level work, were not possible for me to properly experience. However I felt that as much as possible I was functioning like a member of the department, which gave me a great understanding of what a full time role in the company would be like.

Current trainees in particular were very forthcoming with their experience of the culture of the firm which gave me a good sense of what it is like. The night-out in particular allowed me to experience a different side of the office culture.

The pay was certainly competitive for a week long placement.

I met far more people in the firm than I could rememebr the names of, mostly at the trainee level but some at higher levels, so there was certainly ample oppotunity for this.

There was a fun night out mid-week with a pool tournament. It included all the vacation placement people plus most the trainees. This was a great way to meet people in a less formal environment.

I found out very little about this, but did not enquire into it.

The placement was certainly an enjoyable and educational experience and so I would certainly recommend it.