Vacation Placement Student Review

by Pinsent Masons LLP

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4/5
  • About You
    4.0
  • The Company
    4.1
  • Everything Else
    4.0

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • I definitely gained a greater insight into the working life of an international commercial law firm. I gained exposure to client work from the first day, worked on a variety of deals and was included wherever possible. Because of all this, I enjoyed myself. I felt valuable and wanted. It has confirmed my career aspirations.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • The work I was doing was sent to clients on a regular basis. The tasks all fitted into the larger picture of the deal, and I was regularly given work in the same manner as other staff at meetings. Even the more mundane documents I prepared made me feel valuable when I was sat in a client meeting with a solicitor using them to guide the whole meeting.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • I was given a buddy and supervisor during my placement who were my main distributors of work. They always briefed me on my task, sent me reference documents and directed me to the right places. They would give me direct feedback afterwards and show me where the document fitted into the larger picture. I was also sat down regularly to discuss my progress and what I wanted to achieve and how I was achieving it.

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • I gained more practical skills, such as drafting and researching skills. These will assist with diploma and my future career. My organisation and administrative skills have definitely improved and will assist me with my studies.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • There was a timetable for the whole placement, including regular socials, practice presentations and lunches. The structure allowed for a lot of work place learning but with the right guidance.

    4/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • The office was friendly, and it was nice being based within a team. Having your buddy and supervisor meant you always had someone to talk to. The atmosphere was professional with fun personalities.

    4/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • The firm spent time training us in IT and Research. The most training and development was on the job training. Partners would sit down and explain the concept and fundamentals of the deal. A solicitor would then work with you on your task, giving you examples and fitting it back to the practical business needs of the deal. The support during your task and feedback afterwards meant you felt you had gained knowledge. The firm time wise, spent a lot of time investing in me. This time equates to personal development and training, so I felt that they wanted me to learn and gain experience rather than just watch.

    4/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • I was treated like a trainee in the variety of tasks, substantive work content and expectations the firm had of me. I feel like coming back as a trainee would be very similar to being a placement student.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • The placement being 3 weeks long gave me a real feel for the company culture. The presentations highlighted the culture, and being in the office showed you the practical implications. The opportunities to meet and network with other staff allowed me to understand the culture further.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • I was treated just like a member of the team, being included in group meetings, email chains and client briefings. The work was varied, working on multiple tasks and projects at the same time. Because I felt like I worked there in the team and was valued, I could get a feel for working as a commercial lawyer. It has been really eye-opening in what the role is and how I fit into the role.

    4/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • I was paid a very reasonable weekly salary which you receive after the placement.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • There were weekly trainee socials, where you got to know trainee and NQ staff. There were also weekly lunches with partners and different staff members. The near daily practice presentations meant you got to meet people from all over the firm and different offices.

    4/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • They were great. You got to meet lots of people, spend some social time with them and grow your personal network.

    4/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • There were sporting events we were invited to participate in and there were office socials we attended.

    4/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • If someone was considering a career in law, this is the best place to try. You get industry leading work, a great support network and the ability to really work like a trainee. It gives a very realistic impression of the firm and the role.

    4/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Business Operations, Commercial Law, Corporate Law

Scotland

July 2015


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