Gap Placement Programme

Transcription

1 Gap Placement Programme 2016

2 Contents 1 Welcome to Pinsent Masons 2 About Pinsent Masons 3 An International Network 4 Global Business Sectors 5 Practice Groups & Legal Services 6 What is Commercial Law? 7 Structure of a Law Firm 8 Gap Placement Programme 9 Gap Placement Programme Jade McBride 10 A day in the life of a Gap Placement Student 11 What do previous Gap Placement Students think? 12 Frequently Asked Questions 13 Application Process 14 Hints and tips for the application process & Connect with us 8181

3 Pinsent Masons Gap Placement Programme Welcome to Pinsent Masons If you re interested in pursuing a rewarding career in the legal profession, find out if it s right for you and gain vital on-the-job experience by joining us on a paid eight month gap placement before university. Law firms come in all shapes and sizes so it s important you find the right one for you. At Pinsent Masons, we specialise in the business orientated field of commercial law, which you can find out more about on the following pages. Whether your interest lies in commercial law or another area of practice, our programme can teach you valuable skills that will stand you in good stead for the future. 1

4 About Pinsent Masons Pinsent Masons is a full service, international commercial law firm with over 400 partners, a total legal team of around 1,600 and more than 2,500 staff in the UK and internationally. With an annual turnover of over 350 million, Pinsent Masons ranks in the top 15 of the UK law firms and the top 70 of law firms globally. Key Facts 362.2m Million pounds turnover 410 Partners 20 Gap Placement Students 12% Increase in turnover last year 1,600 Lawyers 20 Offices worldwide 68 Top 75 global law firm by turnover 160 Trainee Solicitors The only major UK law firm with offices in all three UK legal jurisdictions Achievements Awards 1 st 2 nd 2 nd More Legal 500 Tier 1 rankings in the UK than any other firm Have more stock market clients than any firm except Slaughter & May Ranked 2nd as a leading UK Law Brand by the independent Acritas survey 2015 Practices are ranked in the Chambers Asia Pacific edition including three new entries. More recommended lawyers than any other firm in the Legal 500 UK Future of Legal Services Legal Innovation Award 2015 Highly Commended in Most Innovative Law Firms in Client Service FT Innovative Lawyers Awards 2014 Highly Commended in the International Law Firm of the Year category Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards

5 Pinsent Masons Gap Placement Programme An International Network Pinsent Masons has 12 European offices (representative office in Brussels), two offices in the Middle East and six offices in Asia Pacific. Locations offering the Gap Programme Aberdeen Birmingham Edinburgh Leeds London Manchester Glasgow 3

6 Global Business Sectors What sets Pinsent Masons apart is a deep knowledge of a variety of business sectors, and the ability to develop legal solutions for our clients within them. When we talk about sectors, we are referring to groupings of organisations which are grouped together because they share the same, or related, products or services eg. the energy sector will comprise of companies and organisations concerned with the production, storage, distribution and sale of various forms of energy. A lot of law firms try to cover all areas, but we came to the conclusion that doing so wasn t the right approach for either our clients or us. We wanted a focused business, which meant deciding in which sectors we could really make an impact. Sector Sector Head Key Clients Advanced Manufacturing & Technology David Isaac Fujitsu Telefonica Energy Bob Ruddiman BP E.ON Financial Services John Salmon Legal & General Royal Bank of Scotland Infrastructure Richard Laudy Balfour Beatty Galliford Try Core Industries & Markets Arthur Lovitt John Lewis Partnership Jack Wills

7 Pinsent Masons Gap Placement Programme Practice Groups Finance & Projects Banking & Restructuring Financial Regulation Insurance Investment Funds Pensions Projects Risk Advisory Services CAD Contentious Tax IP Litigation & Regulatory TMT Property Property Development Property Dispute Resolution Property Investment Property P&E E&I Transactional Services Commercial Corporate Employment EU & Competition Non Contentious Tax Legal Services Banking & Restructuring Commercial Construction Advisory & Disputes Corporate Employment EU & Competition Insurance & Reinsurance Intellectual Property Litigation & International Arbitration Pensions Projects Property Regulatory Tax TMT & Sourcing 5

8 What is Commercial Law? Commercial Law is the body of law that governs business and commercial transactions. A branch of civil law, it deals with issues of both private law (relationships between individuals/businesses) and public law (relationships between individuals/businesses and the state). The UK is a global leader in legal services. The legal services sector employs more than 300,000 people in the UK, two-thirds of whom are located outside London. In 2013 the gross fees generated by law firms in the UK increased by 8.4% to a record 30.6 billion. Commercial lawyers advise companies on meeting their legal requirements and becoming more profitable. We use our knowledge and skills to help well known clients across a range of business sectors including many that have operations and interests throughout the world. As you spend time in our stimulating environment, you ll learn about the commercial impact of law on our clients, gaining an understanding of practice areas like Banking, Employment and Property. You ll also get a fascinating insight into the legal profession and its associated terminology, so you can make informed career decisions based on real knowledge

9 Pinsent Masons Gap Placement Programme Structure of a Law Firm Lawyers work in teams/departments which are grouped into different practice areas depending on the type of legal work they do. Junior lawyers are supervised by more senior ones, meaning they can go to them to ask advice and to have work checked. Partners are ultimately responsible for all work which their team produces. Trainee Solicitor Associate Senior Associate Partner or Legal Director Roles within a law firm Paralegal Trainee Solicitor and Associate Senior Associate, Legal Director and Partner Assisting with preparation of legal documents, carrying out research or interviewing clients and witnesses depending on the area of law. Assisting the team with legal research, document preparation, first drafts and reports. Some limited opportunities to manage own files. Manage own files and create most of the team s output drafting, negotiating, due diligence, research, reporting, billing clients. Responsible for managing client relationships and winning new clients. Many also remain heavily involved in legal work, drafting, negotiating, etc. Lawyers usually work on files (aka matters ) for many clients at once. Lawyers record the time they spend on each matter using software on their computer. Historically, the firm would then have charged clients for every six minutes of time spent on their particular matter. However, that model has changed in recent years with clients now paying a fixed fee for a piece of work regardless of the time taken. An example of this would be the arrangement we have with Balfour Beatty. 7

10 Gap Placement Programme Lasting eight months, our Gap Programme offers solid, first-hand experience of commercial law before you start university. So, if you re serious about a career in law, it s a chance to build a CV that will help you stand out from your peers. You ll also earn a good salary to put towards university costs or travel. If you join us you ll be an important member of the team, working on real projects alongside partners, experienced lawyers and trainees with regular mentoring and feedback. This will ensure you learn and develop vital skills such as attention to detail, team working and research techniques. You ll also attend many of the same training courses as our trainee solicitors, learning from their experiences and picking up job hunting and application tips. And, if you re planning to study law, the practical experience will help you make sense of the theory you ll come across at university. Your exact day-to-day experiences will depend on the practice area you join, but it s fair to say that no two days will be the same, and you ll be learning continuously as you work towards identifiable achievements. Typically, this will include drafting and proofreading documents and letters, carrying out research, liaising with clients by phone, and at face-to-face meetings; and getting involved in community work. You ll also learn how to approach different groups of people as you attend seminars and conferences

11 Pinsent Masons Gap Placement Programme Gap Placement Programme Jade McBride In my 6th year at high school, my plan was to head straight to university. The idea of a gap year never occurred to me until an was circulated to potential law students in the area. I gave the online application and interview my best shot, not knowing that in a few months I would be working as a Gap Year Student for one of the top law firms in the UK. Looking back on my experience at Pinsent Masons, I do not regret a single moment of it. Since university is mainly theoretical, it was great to see a large law firm operating day in, day out. From this practical exposure, I now understand what it takes to become a commercial lawyer and it has given me insight in to typical projects and tasks I d undertake as a Trainee Solicitor and beyond. Prior to starting my placement, I thought working closely with lawyers at various promotion stages would be intimidating, I soon realised this was not the case. From day one I was welcomed with open arms by my team and I had an excellent supervisor who looked after me. The friendly atmosphere of the firm allowed me to fit in at an early stage, and I believe this helped my confidence to grow over my nine months at the firm. The most rewarding thing about being a Gap Year Student is that everyone takes you seriously. Team members are keen for you to become involved in various on-going projects and completions, even the little tasks are a huge help to the rest of the team. As the year progressed, my tasks were akin to that of a Trainee Solicitor. At one point, a Senior Associate in my team assigned me to a major completion for one of Pinsent Masons major clients. Even though there was a team of six in our department involved, I was immersed in the completion for weeks. This enhanced my communication skills as I was in direct contact with various departments across the firm, the client and the client s solicitor. This was the last project I was involved in before I left for the summer and it will be one I remember for a very long time. To have a team praise your efforts in a project and to know your hard work paid off definitely makes taking a Gap Year worthwhile. Jade McBride, Gap Placement Student 9

12 A day in the life of a Gap Placement Student 08:00 Wake up and arrive at work in time for breakfast in the canteen. 09:30 Log on and go through s from various clients; consider them and, where appropriate, send responses. Meet with my supervisor to allocate work for the day. 10:00 Attend and take notes at a meeting with a global biotech firm to discuss a possible acquisition with another company. Type these up and circulate internally upon my return to the office. 11:30 Spend the morning completing and proofreading court documents before the court run in the afternoon. Perform research-based tasks using the legal database. 13:00 Decide to leave the office and get some fresh air and meet up with other Gap Placement students and Trainee Solicitors for lunch. 14:00 Continue the research task and type it up, before taking a short walk to court in order to file an application and supporting evidence for an upcoming hearing. 15:30 Meet with my supervisor, who suggests amendments to the research I have carried out and a quick review of my files. Prepare myself a list of things to do and check the next morning. 16:30 Work with fellow Gap Placement students on a presentation about the Gap Programme that we will be delivering to our old schools. 17:30 Take the opportunity to leave on time and meet some friends after work

13 Pinsent Masons Gap Placement Programme What do previous Gap Placement Students think? Pinsent Masons are a great employer and I have learnt so many new skills and most they are a very friendly and inclusive firm. importantly my confidence has grown. The gap year programme is a great experience and I would definitely recommend it. There are lots of opportunities to get involved in across the wider firm. The firm has various sports teams and social activities. I volunteered as a mentor at a local school, which I found was a very rewarding experience. I also attended a law fair and a schools career fair where the other London Gap Year Students and I delivered a workshop. There is an excellent support system in place and gap year students are made aware of all resources available to them should they require support. The supervisor/student relationship is very good and I have come to consider my supervisor as both a colleague and a good friend. The programme is very well structured and it is immediately apparent that a considerable amount of time, effort and resources have gone into ensuring we are given the best possible gap year at the Firm. The induction was based in London where we attended various presentations including one from the managing partner and could directly ask him questions! There s such a great atmosphere to the firm, it s open plan, everybody is approachable, even the partners. The work is challenging, varied and fun and most importantly the people and friends I ve met during my time here have been fantastic. 11

14 Frequently Asked Questions How long does the Gap Placement last? The programme has a duration of approximately eight months from September to April. Depending on business needs, there may be the opportunity to extend the placement beyond this period. In which offices in the UK does the Gap Programme operate? The programme operates across all our UK offices with the exception of Belfast. We typically offer around 20 places each year, but this is driven by demand across the business. Is the Gap Programme paid? Yes, you will be paid 14,300 per annum pro rata in all locations, except in London where you will be paid 17,000 per annum pro rata, which reflects the local market rate. What would I actually do? Working as part of a Practice Group, you will assist the lawyers within the team in the provision of legal services and in meeting the business needs of our clients. You will be expected to provide excellent customer service at all times, making a positive contribution to the Firm. You will actively develop your legal knowledge, organisational and interpersonal skills, as well as building your confidence. Duties and responsibilities include: Undertaking legal research and company searches Managing your work load, often prioritising conflicting demands Proofreading and checking documentation Involvement in Firm marketing and development initiatives, including involvement in Graduate Recruitment initiatives Dealing with any additional ad hoc projects and tasks that may arise. Will my contribution be recognised? Those who join us become important members of the team, working on real projects alongside Partners, experienced Lawyers and Trainees. You will also receive regular mentoring and feedback. This will ensure you learn and develop vital skills such as attention to detail, time management and research techniques. You ll also attend many of the same training courses as our Trainee Solicitors, learning from their experiences and picking up job-hunting and application tips. And, if you re planning to study law, the practical experience will help you make sense of the theory you ll come across at university. What do I need for my application to be considered? We re looking for commitment, curiosity and enthusiasm, as well as good organisational skills, a smart appearance and the ability to think on your feet. We also look for consistently strong academic results. This means you will have achieved A*, A and B grades in your GCSEs (or equivalent), and be expecting high grades in your A Levels (or equivalent). What benefits are there to completing a Gap Programme? Our Gap Programme gives students a rare and highly sought-after opportunity to experience working life as part of an international law firm. Feedback from previous participants has highlighted key benefits as: increased maturity, improved confidence, financial literacy and time-management. Will a Gap Placement help with university or job applications? The programme is well-respected by both universities and employers. Our alumni have frequently secured places at leading universities in both the UK and overseas, and, following graduation, permanent roles with blue-chip employers in a variety of sectors. Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who are workready something Gap Placement students will be able to demonstrate. Would it waste a year? Gap years can be wasted if they are unstructured and lacking in purpose. Students only secure a placement at Pinsent Masons after a rigorous assessment process if they are not ready, we will not offer them a place. The opportunity to develop skills and earn money also means that Gap Placement students approach university with a greater degree of maturity than their peers, and, as a result, derive more benefit from their time there

15 Pinsent Masons Gap Placement Programme Application Process 1. Self Selection applications open in September Our Gap Programme offers you a fantastic opportunity to gain solid first-hand experience of law before going to university. As places on the programme are limited, we ask that you are on course to achieve mostly As and Bs across 3 A-Levels (or equivalent, excluding general studies). You will also need to ensure your university allows you to defer your entry if you ve already applied. 2. Online Application deadline in November If you re keen to join us during your gap year and you meet the application criteria, you will need to complete our online application form via our website. There are a few questions on the form so you will need to spend some time researching the firm and thinking about your answers. Don t leave it to the last minute! 3. Assessment December If your written application is successful, you will be invited to attend one of our assessment events which is comprised of two interviews; a behavioural interview focusing on the core skills required to undertake the Gap Programme, and a commercial interview looking at your understanding of the business world. It sounds tough, but we need to make sure that we have the best students for the programme. 4. Offer If your interviews are successful we will look to make you an offer to join our programme starting the following September. 5. Day One You ll join our new trainee solicitors for induction in our Crown Place headquarters. This is where your journey really begins. 13

16 Hints and tips for application process Double check your application form for any spelling or grammar errors. You could ask someone you trust to proofread your application before you submit it. Read the job description thoroughly, think carefully about what qualifications and experience you have that meets the criteria sought. Remember to include examples from your extra-curricular activities and work experience as well as your academic background. Connect with us: Connect with us on social media where we regularly post information about our programmes, the wider firm and updates in the legal

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20 Pinsent Masons LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales (registered number: OC333653) authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the appropriate regulatory body in the other jurisdictions in which it operates. The word partner, used in relation to the LLP, refers to a member of the LLP or an employee or consultant of the LLP or any affiliated firm of equivalent standing. A list of the members of the LLP, and of those non-members who are designated as partners, is displayed at the LLP s registered office: 30 Crown Place, London EC2A 4ES, United Kingdom. We use Pinsent Masons to refer to Pinsent Masons LLP, its subsidiaries and any affiliates which it or its partners operate as separate businesses for regulatory or other reasons. Reference to Pinsent Masons is to Pinsent Masons LLP and/or one or more of those subsidiaries or affiliates as the context requires. Pinsent Masons LLP For a full list of our locations around the globe please visit our websites: