Northern Ireland
Based in our Belfast office
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Our legal summer work experience programme is tailored for school students aged 16-19, offering a unique opportunity to explore whether a career in law is right for you. Over a 5-day placement, you will gain valuable insights into working within a leading commercial law firm, enhancing your understanding of commercial law in practice. Regardless of your background or prior experience, this programme aims to develop your skills and boost your confidence while enriching your CV.
During the programme, you'll work closely with some of our top legal talent, providing a practical and engaging experience. The programme includes the provision of a laptop and full IT equipment on your first day in the office. Additionally, the experience is designed to be informative and enjoyable, with previous students praising its immersive in-person nature.
If you successfully secure a place on our programme, you will receive compensation for your work as this is a paid work experience programme. In addition to shadowing experienced professionals, you will earn a salary for your contributions, and your lunch and transportation costs will also be covered when you attend the office.
Pinsent Masons values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.
After applying, consider checking out our open access virtual work experience programme for another way to gain insight into the commercial legal world and the type of work we do. This online opportunity also offers a comprehensive overview of working in a top law firm, ensuring that you can discover what law in practice entails while further enhancing your CV.
You will need to have received your GCSE qualifications prior to applying. You cannot use predicted grades to apply.
Please note that you will not be eligible for this programme if you are currently studying at university.
If you don’t meet the above minimum academic criteria but you have mitigating circumstances, there’s an opportunity for you to include this information in your registration form. If you have any questions around the eligibility requirements for this programme, please contact us.
With a conscientious approach, you’ll have the ability to read and absorb large amounts of reference material and spot errors quickly.
We’re a purpose-led, professional services firm, with law at the core, so you’ll have a genuine interest in how business works.
You’re able to learn new skills and concepts quickly and apply them effectively. You’re curious and open-minded, seeking feedback and opportunities for improvement.
You’re comfortable engaging and openly communicating with people from different backgrounds and experiences to your own.
You have a genuine passion for excellence, and the drive, determination and positivity to go above and beyond to achieve your goals.
You understand that taking responsibility for your successes and acknowledging when things go wrong helps you improve and develop.
With the confidence to express your own opinions and assert your point of view when necessary, you’ll be a compelling and persuasive communicator.
You have a clear sense of what is important and plan your tasks and activities, prioritising the most important ones, and managing your time and resources efficiently.
Our summer work experience programme pay is subject to review on an annual basis. The salary rate as of 2024 was above national minimum wage.
Answer questions on our registration form to make sure you are eligible for this programme. We also gather information about you to support our contextualized recruitment approach.
Provide information on your education history and any employment/work experiences. Read the questions carefully and think about why you would be a good fit for this programme.
Our shortlisting process starts once the application closing date passes. All applications are screened to a pre-defined framework and shortlisted candidates who best demonstrate that they meet our criteria will be contacted.
Whatever the outcome, we’ll be sure to inform you within three months from the application closing date. If you have been shortlisted at one our UK offices, we’ll be happy to make you an offer! You will be sent an offer letter for you to review and accept.
Once you have accepted your offer, our work experience and HR team will guide you through the onboarding process to ensure you’re all set to go before you join us. You can also expect a telephone call from our partner organisation to support you through the process.
After the programme, you can continue to develop your interest in commercial law through additional work experience at another firm or a virtual programme. If you choose to attend university, consider applying for our first year law programme, vacation placement, training contract, or sign up to one of our insight events.
To start your application, please click on apply now. Once you have registered an account, you will need to complete the following before the application closing date:
Once you have submitted all of the above, our work experience team will review your application and will be in touch in due course regarding your outcome.
Unfortunately we only offer work experience opportunities to school students who are over 16 years old and who are studying towards their AS/A Levels, Highers (or equivalent) or who will have completed their GCSEs, National 5’s (or equivalent) before the start of the programme.
Once the application closing date has passed, we screen candidates against a pre-defined framework and shortlist those who best meet our requirements. We will contact all candidates within three months after the application closing date.
Yes, we will be happy to cover the costs of travelling to the office and will provide you with lunch vouchers for each day.
You can get in contact with our helpful work experience team should you have any questions. During busy periods, please allow up to 3-5 working days for a response.
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