Our Vacation Placement programme is the perfect introduction to Pinsent Masons and a route to securing a Training Contract at the firm. We design, structure and develop the placement programme to give you an experience which is practical and enjoyable whilst authentically reflecting the Trainee Solicitor experience.
If you gain a placement, it’s because we already see you as a potential Trainee. During your time with us, we’ll do our best to give you every chance to prove us right. That’s why our Vacation Placement students don’t need to make a separate application for our Training Contract programme. In our eyes you’re already in the running. During your placement we’ll provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence. We’ll gather feedback from your team which, together with the results of your assessments, will help us determine the outcome of your application.
Programme structure
For many people, our two-week Vacation Placement programme presents the first opportunity to work in a professional organisation and environment. We make sure that first step is an easy one with an firm-wide induction where you’ll be welcomed to the firm and encouraged to make the most of every opportunity.
If you join us for an in-house placement, you’ll gain full exposure to one practice area, allowing you to form strong relationships and get really involved in the team’s work whilst enjoying an unexpected level of responsibility. You will be assigned a dedicated supervisor and a buddy who will guide you through the placement, assign hands-on tasks, provide feedback, and answer your questions about the firm.
The aim of our programme is to give you an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be part of the Pinsent Masons team and get the chance to develop transferable professional skills, building your confidence along the way. It’s also a great opportunity to get a feel for the social scene, make friends and start building a useful network of contacts for the rest of your career.
Candidates typically make applications for a Vacation Placement programme in the penultimate year of their degree, seeking a training contract the following year.
The firm has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and work with organisations such as the 10,000 Interns Foundation, Aspiring Solicitors and Bright Network to encourage and support applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Eligibility requirements
- 120 UCAS points or above from your best three A-levels or equivalent.
- 2.1 degree or above already gained or predicted to achieve.
You must intend to apply to the Institution of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS) for a place on the Solicitors Course or to be completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) to enable you to commence a training contract in September 2026.
You must also meet one of the following
- You have reached the penultimate year of a qualifying law degree or beyond and are seeking a training contract starting September 2026
- You have reached the final year of a non-law degree or beyond and are seeking a training contract starting September 2026
- You have already graduated with a qualifying law degree and are seeking a training contract starting September 2026
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.
What we look for
A focus on detail
With a conscientious approach, you’ll have the ability to read and absorb large amounts of reference material and spot errors quickly.
An interest in business
We’re a purpose-led, professional services firm, with law at the core, so you’ll have a genuine interest in how business works.
Intellectual capability
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.
Social adaptability
You’re comfortable engaging and openly communicating with people from different backgrounds and experiences to your own.
Drive
You have a genuine passion for excellence, and the drive, determination and positivity to go above and beyond to achieve your goals.
Personal responsibility
You understand that taking responsibility for your successes and acknowledging when things go wrong helps you improve and develop.
Positive impact
With the confidence to express your own opinions and assert your point of view when necessary, you’ll be a compelling and persuasive communicator.
Organisation
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.
Salary expectations
We believe placements should be paid as you will be making a valuable contribution to our business. We also recognise that undertaking placements can mean incurring costs for travel and accommodation. This is why we pay our Vacation Placement students a competitive rate of pay whilst on the scheme.
Our salaries are subject to review on an annual basis. The salary rates as of June 2024 are as follows:
- Belfast: £420 a week
Sponsorships
Our placements are full time i.e. 35 hours per week and may not be suitable for candidates with restricted work permits. If you are not sure about your individual circumstances, please contact us.
Key dates
- Applications open: Monday 02 September 2024
- Applications close: Thursday 30 January 2025
- Programme start: Monday 02 June 2025
- Programme duration: 2 weeks
We do not offer ad hoc placement opportunities, so you must make sure you're available for the full placement during the above dates.
What is the application process?
The below shows the typical recruitment process for our Early Talent programmes in our UK, Dublin, Johannesburg and Dubai offices.
- Registration & application form: Tell us about yourself, your academic history and your employment history where applicable. We also gather information about you to support our contextualized recruitment approach.
- Online blended assessment: The next stage of the recruitment process will involve completing our online blended assessment. This blended assessment incorporates situational judgment questions, a written case study and a short recorded video interview allowing us to see how well you would perform in different scenarios.
- Assessment centre: If you pass the online blended assessment, we’ll ask you to book a place at one of our in-person assessment centres. You will complete three exercises over the day – This will include a one-to-one interview, a business simulation exercise and a case study.
- Offer: Whatever the outcome, we’ll let you know as soon as we can after the assessment centre. If you display the key attributes we are looking for and perform well throughout the assessment, we’ll send you an offer and talk you through the onboarding process.
How to apply
Please click on Apply Now to begin your application. Once you have registered an account, you will need to complete the following before the application closing date:
- Registration form
- Application form
- Online blended assessment
Once you have submitted all of the above, our recruitment team will review your application and blended assessment and will be in touch in due course regarding your outcome.
