What is it really like to do a Vacation Placement at Pinsent Masons?

Going into the Pinsent Masons vacation scheme, I was understandably apprehensive about the upcoming 3 weeks.

On the first day of joining the Edinburgh Project Finance team, I was put at ease by the welcoming nature of the firm and my team. I was immediately involved in the work they do, by contributing to internal and external bulletins for clients, sitting in on conference calls and drafting letters to top clients.

Despite being placed in the Project Finance team, I gained broad exposure to work of teams across the firm.

I had the experience of contributing to work for a FTSE 100 Company for a trainee in the Energy team. Later the same day, I was involved in a completion with the Banking team.

I also got insight into the international work the firm does by sitting in on a conference call with Energy teams across jurisdictions, including Dubai, Ireland and England. This highlighted the global reach and scope of the projects the firm is involved in.

I soon came to realise, however, that the vacation placement was more than just about law. A strong emphasis was placed on building relationships and being involved with the activities of the firm, of which there were plenty of opportunities to do so.

Whether it was yoga, touch rugby or hockey; there was a way for everyone to socialise outwith the working environment and truly experience the culture of Pinsent Masons.

In the second week of the placement we had a social with the other vacation placement students based in Edinburgh and our trainee buddies. A good meal, a fun quiz and wine tasting was the perfect way to unwind from the training contract interview earlier that the day.

In the past 3 weeks I have found friends in the fellow vacation placement students and Pinsent Masons employees, as well as an experience beyond what I could have expected.