School Work Experience

What does a commercial lawyer do?

Commercial lawyers (or business lawyers as we’re often called) advise companies on meeting their legal requirements and becoming more profitable. We use our knowledge and intelligence to help big names across a range of business sectors – including many that have operations and interests throughout the world. It’s important work that has seen us grow to become a top 15 UK law firm with a growing international presence. Now we need great people like you to ensure we continuously expand our expertise into the future.

As you spend time in our stimulating environment, you’ll learn about the commercial impacts of law on our clients’ businesses, gaining an understanding of practice areas like property, employment and banking. You’ll also get a fascinating insight into the legal profession and its associated terminology, so you can make the right decisions based on real knowledge.

To give you an example of commercial law in practice, imagine a pizza chain is taking over one of its competitors in a deal worth millions of pounds. The legal details of the deal itself would be handled by our Corporate team. The new business might need to buy or sell premises, so our Property lawyers would get involved. Staff in the two chains would most likely have different terms and conditions, and our Employment team would work with their HR teams. The business may also have a new name and logo, so lawyers specialising in Intellectual Property would make sure the new brand is protected. In addition the deal would have tax or insurance implications, which would be handled by specialist teams.

Law firms come in all shapes and sizes and it’s important you find the right one for you. As you’ve probably already discovered on this website, we specialise in the business-orientated field of commercial law. Whether your interest lies in commercial law or another area of practice, our placements can teach you valuable skills that will stand you in good stead for the future. You’ll also be able to see the values we live and breathe each day as you work alongside our leading people: ambition and excellence, respect and co-operation, and an open and approachable way of working. 

Who is eligible to apply?

We want to give ambitious candidates from any background the chance to experience life at a top law firm – demonstrating your proactive approach and giving your CV a real boost. You’ll also gain a valuable insight into the working world and find out if law is the right career path for you.

It doesn’t matter which A-levels or Scottish Highers you are studying, nor which degree you plan to study. In fact, some 50% of our graduate trainees join us having completed a degree in a subject other than law. We do ask that you like solving problems, are 16 or over, well organised, smartly presented, bright, articulate, and willing to ask questions and get involved.

Our award-winning work experience programme is designed to be as fulfilling as possible.  During your week at the firm you will take part in a business exercise, attend information presentations and seminars in addition to shadowing our lawyers on real issues.  You’ll also be supervised by one of our trainee solicitors who will help you gain an appreciation of the skills you need to be a good lawyer. These include letter-writing, research, and a good eye for detail.

We’re offering a one week placement in one of our six offices - either London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh or Glasgow.  There are four intakes across 2011 commencing 13 June, 1 August, 17 October and 24 October (during the half-term holidays).

To apply for our work experience programme, please complete our online application form now.  The closing date is the 31 January 2011.

 

Why undertake work experience?

James Spencer is currently a trainee solicitor at the firm, below James explains why he feels work experience is such a valuable thing to gain even at an early age.

“You need to prove to yourself that a career in law is right for you.”

“I would not underestimate the importance of relevant work experience if you’re interested in a career in law.  Without this, it could prove difficult to demonstrate to potential employers in the future that you are committed to the legal profession.  However, perhaps more importantly, you need to prove to yourself that a career in law is right for you.  It’s easy to build assumptions as to what it is like to work at a law firm but, without trying it for yourself, you won’t be able to establish whether it’s right for you.

At 16, I spent a week at a small, private client legal practice which gave me some experience of working in the legal profession.  However, it was not until I was at university that I took part in formal schemes at some larger law firms, including Pinsent Masons. In my experience, these formal work experience schemes are much better than informal ones.  At Pinsent Masons, you will be made to feel part of the team and won’t be left alone to do the photocopying and make the tea. 

Joining an organised work placement or gap year scheme at Pinsent Masons would be a great way to gain exposure to a large law firm. It also enables you to gain a head start on the pathway to a training contract, placing you in a good position to make career choices during your time at university and beyond.”