Intern Review

My internship allowed me to gain insight into different tasks that a trainee lawyer would be expected to complete. This included drafting a witness statement and editing part of a document. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly in both the commercial and property litigation departments. At the end of the internship I left feeling like Shoosmiths was a firm that I would enjoy working for.

During my internship I was supported by two trainees who were both in their final seat of their training contract. Both were very supportive and gave me genuine tasks to complete. After I had completed each task they informally discussed my work with me, They listened to the reasons why I had made particular decisions, before informing me of any errors. Nevertheless, at no point was I made to feel stupid or inadequate. This made the internship experience feel worthwhile and made me feel valued. Nobody tried to take advantage of my presence by asking me to do general dogsbody tasks such as making tea. In fact a member of the commercial team kindly made me a cup of coffee.

My allocated trainee was available throughout my stay in each department. They made themselves available to discuss the progress of my work and any queries, as they arose. I was not made to feel like a burden at any point of the internship. There advice was very supportive and lacked criticism. Other members of the team also offered me advice on understanding the firms structure and high profile clients. I was even offered advice on how to apply for a training contract with the firm. I genuinely could not have asked for more support from anyone that I met during my internship.

The internship allowed me to gain a greater understanding of working at a leading law firm. It also provided me with an opportunity to experience completing simple legal tasks. The drafting experience will aid me in drafting documents during my post graduate studies and beyond.

The internship was structured exceptionally well. At the start of my internship I was given a tour of the office and each department. I was then given a briefing on health and safety within the office environment. My internship was split equally between my two chosen departments, Commercial and Property Litigation.

The design of the offices is very modern and open plan. I felt that this allowed everyone in the office to see each other daily and added to the team spirit. The office atmosphere was very professional, but friendly. Everyone was willing to offer me support.

Training was limited due to insufficient time. Nevertheless, I feel that the experience allowed me to continue to develop my legal skills.

As previously stated, I was able to gain insight into the tasks I would be expected to complete as a junior lawyer employed at Shoosmiths. I discovered that employees are trusted to complete meaningful tasks from a early stage, with lots of support on hand from more experienced and senior staff. If you are confident and hardworking you will really enjoy the hands on experience.

Members of both the commercial and property litigation departments were happy to discuss the firms culture. They also suggested particularly useful sections of the Shoosmiths website, which answered my outstanding queries, and more.

The experience was very helpful in aiding me to make future decisions. I now feel more confident about making applications for part time legal work.

I was not paid or reimbursed my expenses. However, my expenses were low as the office was local to me. Nevertheless, I was provided with free secure parking on site.

My allocated trainee took me for lunch with another member of the property litigation team. This was a fantastic opportunity to discuss my interests in the firm in a relaxed environment.

Lunch was enjoyable. Talking to staff outside of the office was a nice opportunity. My internship was only brief so I did not expect any additional networking or social opportunities.

Yes, staff were very proud to discuss Shoosmiths pro bono and fundraising opportunities. Shoosmiths recently raised over £15,000 in one month for Wild Hearts in Action. They also support local pro bono legal advice clinics, as well as many other worthwhile schemes.

Yes. I have previously participated in internships and also marshaled Judges and Barristers, and yet this was the most interesting and insightful opportunity so far. This was mainly because of the genuine tasks that I was set which made me feel useful and like I was learning.