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Scotland

Summer work experience

Based in our Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen offices

Introduction

Our legal summer work experience programme is tailored for 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.

Valuable compensation

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.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

Pinsent Masons values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Explore more

After applying, consider checking out our open access virtual work experience programme for another way to gain insight into the commercial legal world. 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.

Please select

You will need to have received your National 5 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.

  • Applications open: February 2025
  • Applications close: March 2025
  • Programme start: July/August 2025
  • Programme duration: 5 days

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.

What is the recruitment process?

  • 01. Registration form

    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.

  • 02. Application form

    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.

  • 03. Shortlisting

    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.

  • 04. Offer

    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.

  • 05. Onboarding

    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.

What to expect

  • Work with a supervisor to develop essential skills.
  • Learn directly from experienced solicitors and trainee solicitors.
  • Shadow professionals in various practice areas.
  • Network with trainee solicitors, associates, and partners.
  • Participate in group exercises and discussions.
  • Complete legal tasks and attend interactive presentations.
  • Receive tips on CVs, applications, and interviews while discussing your career plans.

Further opportunities after the programme

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 vacation placement or training contract, as we typically recruit trainees two years in advance.

How to apply

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:

  1. Registration form
  2. Application form

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. 

Frequently asked questions

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Scotland

Scotland

Based in our Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen offices

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