Vacation Placement Student Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my vacation placement at Pinsent Masons. I have managed to get involved with a wide range of work and experience the sorts of tasks that a trainee would undertake. I have been exposed to complex commercial tasks in a business setting and had the opportunity to draft various documents and advice notes as well as sitting in on various calls. Everyone at the firm has been so welcoming, the firm's friendly ethos is definitely vested in its people. The social events were definitely a highlight of the scheme in which we were able to converse with trainees and more senior employees outside of the formal setting.

Throughout my placement I felt extremely valued and the work that I produced was greatly appreciated. Everyone in my team was enthusiastic about the work that they carry out and wanted to enable me to get the most out of my time at the firm.

I worked alongside all members of my team in the Tax department and everyone was happy to sit down and discuss the work at had been given in further detail and were happy for me to ask any questions. They were extremely approachable but was really nice was that they took the time to come over and check that the work was going okay and if I needed any further clarification and regular checked If I was enjoying the scheme. This meant that I never felt like a burden but that they were happy to have me in the team helping them out. All instructions for the tasks I was given were clear and were delivered in a quiet room for us to discuss the task. Each piece of work I did I received plenty of feedback and was able to see the final draft before it was sent to the client etc. It was really good to be able to see which areas had been altered and that I need to improve. What was comforting was that a lot of the work I did was heavily used as the body of the document so it was nice to see that may work was having an impact and being used.

The skills I have learnt on the scheme are invaluable, especially communication and networking skills. I have realised on my placement how important attention to detail is and that this is something I will definitely need to build upon if I become a trainee at the firm. I have also seen in practice how much commercial awareness is apart of everyday practice and needed for interactions with clients and their businesses. Thinking on my feet and having to really consider how to present my work in a format that is accessible to the client is a skill that I have developed during the scheme and will continue here on out.

The scheme was extremely well structured, especially the induction day in London and all of the scheduled socials. The calendar system on outlook was very effective and ensured that we knew where we needed to be.

The general atmosphere during my insight was very positive, approachable and respectable. Everyone at the firm was really friendly and enthusiastic.

The firm are committing in developing our skills and helping us make important career decisions.

The firm definitely helped me understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm, especially the work that I carried out.

Actually being at the firm enabled me to see that the firm's values were truly lived.

The content of the day was valuable however I feel what was most valuable in helping my decide on my future career path was the people I met and the firm as a whole.

I was generously paid for my two week at the firm and reimbursed for my travel expenses to London.

There were plenty of opportunities to network and meet people from all levels including: a partner lunch, trainee lunch, London induction day, office drinks, practice presentations, secondment lunch and the social events.

They were really well thought out so that we had the best time at the firm.

Yes, just from talking to people at the firm and also at the practice presentations, there is lots to get involved with. I would have liked to find out more about pro bono and voluntary work.

Definitely, even if they were unsure on a career in law or just to get work experience in a professional and business environment and meet new people.