Take the Law Into Your Own Hands - Pinsent Masons Graduate Brochure 2017
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS A career with an international law firm Graduate brochure 2016 – 2017 #takethelaw
pinsentmasons.com/graduate
It’s decision time. But if you get a training contract
at Pinsent Masons you’ll find it’s the first of many.
We want our people to make the most of every
opportunity, so we give them plenty. Some might
even seem like a bit of a curve ball at first. But, in
the end, it comes down to your approach. If you’re
prepared to put yourself forward, to have a say,
to think commercially, to learn new things and
respond to an ever-changing environment, then
keep reading.
There’s room in the following pages for you
to get involved in the decisions that lie ahead;
so highlight, annotate and delete as you wish.
Because at Pinsent Masons, you have the chance
to determine your own future. After all, it’s your
career and it starts here.
So go on, take the law into your own hands.
01.
Foreword pinsentmasons.com/graduate FOREWORD Our clients don’t have legal issues, they have commercial needs. What the best lawyers do is respond to those needs with a mix of imagination and pragmatism – with a focus always on delivering a solution to the client. Which gives rise to the question ‘who makes a great lawyer’? A great lawyer is interested in business as much as law, a person who is bold enough to challenge the status quo and is prepared to innovate to find another way. If that sounds like you, we’d like hear from you. We think you will really enjoy working with us. Richard Foley Senior Partner 02. 03.
The big decision pinsentmasons.com/graduate
THE BIG DECISION
It’s a sobering thought – that your very first career decision is one of the most
important you will ever make. From this point, everything else follows; the
experience you gain, the skills you acquire, the places you work, the people you
learn from and the opportunities that open up to you. Quite possibly, the choice
you make now will set the course for your entire future. So, no pressure then…
Of course, the big question sector, to understand their with ideas and opinions; with
is: ‘which path opens up the commercial challenges and confidence and curiosity. People
widest possibilities, and gives me develop legal solutions that with the imagination to see an
the most scope to set my own add business value. They want opportunity, and the self-belief to
direction?’ It’s a mistake to think lawyers to act in partnership with run with it and make it their own.
that one law firm is exactly like them as commercial advisors and Bring us this much, and our
another. To understand why, it business experts – sometimes training contract can offer you the
helps to look at what’s going on to the extent of being fully opportunity to shape your own
in the business world today. integrated into their operation. career path – in anything from tax
In recent years, evolving As you read on, you will find fraud to environmental planning,
technology and global market out in more detail what this across sectors ranging from energy
conditions have between them means for you and your role in to financial services, anywhere
ushered in a perfect storm our business. Suffice to say, we’re from Aberdeen to Beijing.
of business change. The new a firm that is shaping the legal An opportunity worth grasping?
commercial reality hasn’t much market of tomorrow – and we’re That’s your decision to make.
time for reputation – clients looking for graduates who want
expect us to know their market to join us on our journey. People View from the Princes Exchange office, Edinburgh
04. 05.
pinsentmasons.com/graduate
NOTES CONTENTS
SECTION 01
PINSENT MASONS, TODAY
Who we are, what we do, where we work, who we’re looking for.
09
SECTION 02
THIS IS YOUR VACATION PLACEMENT 27
Why you should join us for a vacation placement and what’s in store for you if you do.
SECTION 03
THIS IS YOUR TRAINING CONTRACT
What you can expect from the day of offer to the day you qualify, plus remuneration details.
35
SECTION 04
THIS IS YOUR APPLICATION
What opportunities we have available, what we’re looking for in our future colleagues and how to apply.
49
06. 07.
This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
SECTION
— 01
The facts about a market leading international law
firm. Where we’re based, the Business Sectors we
work in, the practice areas we cover, our growing
global presence. How we see ourselves – and
our clients – in a changing business world. The
qualities we’re looking for, and the prospects we
can offer.
En route to a client meeting, Belfast This is Pinsent Masons, today.
08. 09.
This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
THIS IS PINSENT MASONS, TODAY
1. Original thinking, business vision, market awareness –
they’re all part of the toolkit of today’s commercial lawyer.
We’re looking to recruit and develop people with the
curiosity and confidence needed to thrive in a transforming
business landscape, where deeper sector and client
knowledge are just as important as specialist legal expertise.
1.1 Going forward
1.1.1 Change never sleeps. When it comes to identifying tomorrow’s live business
issues, the only sure bet is that there are no certainties. Right now, we provide
expertise on matters that weren’t on anyone’s radar even a year ago.
1.1.2 In every sector, our clients rely on us having our eyes fixed on what’s coming
over the horizon. And that kind of insight and knowledge doesn’t come from sitting
and waiting for things to happen. It comes from people like you, stretching their
talents in business areas that fascinate them.
1.2 Thinking like our clients
1.2.1 As a firm, our approach to customer service means we’re fully engaged with
their business needs and the commercial dynamics of the day. And we expect our
trainees to share the same mindset. The more inquisitive and informed you are
about the wider world, the more value you can add to any business situation. And
our training is all about encouraging you to do just that.
1.2.2 Your training contract will launch you into different Practice Groups and
Business Sectors, and immerse you in live client work in areas of the law that,
right now, might mean nothing to you. You’ll have to learn fast.
1.3 Great expectations
1.3.1 We want to find out if you have the intellectual curiosity to become a fully
formed business advisor, interested in developing in-depth sectoral expertise and
applying that knowledge in whichever area of the law becomes your long-term
focus. We also want to know if you have the insight to pinpoint new commercial
opportunities, and the confidence to take the lead in pursuing them.
1.3.2 By the time you qualify, you will have already gained an impressive range
of sector-specific knowledge, have first-hand experience of complex and high-
profile matters, transactions and cases, and be on-course to become a sought-after
specialist in your chosen area. With our support, you’ll be perfectly positioned to
Trainees outside our Crown Place headquarters. move quickly, and be the first to capitalise on anything new.
10. 11.
This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
˝Pinsent Masons
has achieved a top
three position in this
year’s Index for the
fourth year running,
demonstrating their
continued strength
and appeal to clients
across the UK legal
market.
Lisa Hart Shepherd, Acritas CEO
commenting on the Acritas 2016 UK Law Firm Brand Index
View from London Crown Place client floor
12. 13.
This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
1.4 KEY FACTS 1.7 FIRM ON A JOURNEY
TOP TOP
• Pinsent Masons is • Pinsent Masons opens offices in Beijing
75 75
formed by the merger and Singapore adding to a presence in the
of Pinsents and Masons Asia-Pacific region dating back to 1982.
TOP TOP
2004 2007
382 MILLION ONLY UK LAW FIRM
POUNDS IN ALL THREE UK • Out-law.com (launched in 2000) wins a
TURNOVER JURISTICTIONS • Winner of Most Effective
Webby award. Now the most visited legal
website in the world with 3.5 million users.
Diversity Programme at
• The firm establishes a foothold in the
Lawyer HR Awards
TOP
Middle East with an office in Dubai
TOP
75 75
TOP
2011 2008
TOP
A GLOBAL FIRM
• Pinsent Masons merges with McGrigors • Vario, an innovative service providing
5.5% INCREASE 22 offices, 420+ partners, 1600+ lawyers, TOP 75 GLOBAL LAW becoming the first major law firm to have freelance lawyers to clients, is launched.
IN TURNOVER 150+ trainee solicitors FIRM BY TURNOVER offices in all three UK juristictions. • Pinsent Masons expands into Turkey
• Firm’s vacation placement voted top extending its European reach beyond the
ranked legal scheme on Rate My Munich and Paris office that were opened
Placement, a feat we repeated up to 2015. the previous year.
1.5 ACHIEVEMENTS 1.6 AWARDS 2012 2013
• Outlaw.com, the world’s most
visited law firm website, turns 15.
• Rated as top law firm employer in • Pinsent Masons extends into
'LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR'
2 3 AND 'ENERGY &
INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM
Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
• The firm opens second office in
Germany, in Düsseldorf.
Australia, opening offices in both
Sydney and Melbourne.
OF THE YEAR'
Second in the Ranked third as a The Legal Business Awards 2016 2016 2015
list of law firms leading UK Law Brand
with most stock by the independent
market clients
1 Acritas survey 2016 • Pinsent Masons opens
first South Africa office,
in Johannesburg.
• Pinsent Masons targets
25% female partnership as
• By 2020 we want to be an international
market-leader in our Global Sectors defined
'FUTURE OF LEGAL SERVICES' 2017 part of Project Sky, with by innovation; have strong connections with
More Legal 500 Tier 1 Legal Innovation Awards 2015 further rebalancing expected our clients across our business, and
18 rankings in the UK
than any other firm 283 beyond this date. approachable people – that means you!
Number of Pinsent More recommended
Masons lawyers ranked
in Chambers
lawyers than any
other firm in the
'MOST INNOVATIVE LAW FIRM'
FT Innovative Lawyers
2018 2020
Asia Pacific edition Legal 500 UK Awards 2015
14. 5.
15.
This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
1.8 AN INTERNATIONAL
NETWORK
04
05
14
13
01
08 06 09
15
02
18
10
12
22
23
03
16
11
19
Copyright © Free Vector Maps.com
20
17
EUROPE ASIA PACIFIC MIDDLE EAST LEGAL 500 TIER 1 RANKING TEAMS BY OFFICE
01. Aberdeen 08. Glasgow 15. Beijing 22. Doha
For further information regarding our
02. Belfast 09. Instanbul 16. Hong Kong 23. Dubai
offices and locations please visit our
03. Birmingham 10. Leeds 17. Melbourne
graduate site. 7 14 11 12 6 21
04. Brussels (Rep. office) 11. London 18. Shanghai
05. Düsseldorf 12. Manchester 19. Singapore
07 graduate.pinsentmasons.com/our-firm/
06. Edinburgh 13. Munich 20. Sydney
locations
07. Falkland Islands 14. Paris Belfast Birmingham Leeds London Manchester Scotland
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE OPENINGS Dusseldorf
Istanbul
Brussels
Munich
Melbourne
Hong Kong Falkland Islands Shanghai Beijing Dubai Singapore Doha Paris
Sydney
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
16. 17.This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
1.9 BUSINESS SECTORS 1.11 VISION AND VALUES
What sets Pinsent Masons apart is a deep on globally: Advanced Manufacturing & Technology; 1.11 The vision behind the opportunities Bold: enterprising, innovative
knowledge of a variety of sectors, and the ability to Energy; Financial Services; Infrastructure; and 1.11.1 If you’ve been reading carefully you’ll know we We go beyond convention to find innovative solutions.
develop legal solutions for our clients within them. Real Estate. have a bold vision of being an international market- Not only are we willing to rise to the challenge, we strive
A lot of law firms try to cover all areas, but we As part of the sector approach, our trainees are leader in our global sectors by 2020. (Flick back to page for excellence in everything we do.
came to the conclusion that doing so wasn’t the right encouraged to start developing close relationships 15 for a summary of our journey.) Connected: committed, together
approach for either our clients or us. We wanted a with clients right away. We assign trainees to our 1.11.2 It’s this kind of ambition that means we’ll Our strength comes from our relationships within
focused business, which meant deciding in which major clients for the duration of their training continue to create opportunities both within the firm the firm, with our clients and with our communities.
sectors we could really make an impact. contract and, as they move practice areas, they stay and in our communities. We’ll only get there through We work in a diverse business and value the different
We have developed a high level of expertise involved with that client and the firm’s relationship a sustained and coherent effort – one that you’ll be perspectives that brings.
in the five industry sectors we’ve chosen to focus with them. part of.
1.11.3 We’ve identified four things that we need to 1.13 Behaving responsibly
Advanced Manufacturing Financial do – and do well, if we’re to make it happen: 1.13.1 A commitment to doing business responsibly is
Real Estate Focus: we must be disciplined about targeting the right at our core and that extends to everything we do and
& Technology Services
Sector Head: David Isaac Sector Head: Alexis Roberts Sector Head: James Crookes
clients and prospects and expanding into the sectors everyone we interact with. It’s about building a business
Percentage of firm-wide fees generated: 20% Percentage of firm-wide fees generated: 20% Percentage of firm-wide fees generated: 13% and markets that will grow our business profitably. we’re proud of, one that has strong and sustainable
Key clients: Fujitsu, Telefonica Key clients: Legal & General, Royal Bank of Scotland Key clients: Royal London Asset Management,
Tristan Capital Partners
Stand-out: our sector knowledge and bold, innovative relationships with clients and suppliers, our people, and
solutions must set us apart from the competition. We our local and global communities.
Energy Infrastructure will be the firm that clients turn to, whether for repeat 1.13.2 We all know how important decisions are –
work or one-off projects. you’re in the middle of making a big one yourself right
Sector Head: Bob Ruddiman Sector Head: Richard Laudy
Percentage of firm-wide fees generated: 12% Percentage of firm-wide fees generated: 19%
Excel: our culture and working environment must drive now. Behaving responsibly starts – and ends – with
Key clients: BP, E.ON Key clients: Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try outstanding performance and innovation, enabling making the right decision. Whether that’s providing
people to realise their potential through initiatives likeclients with advice that helps them manage and address
merit-based progression and bespoke training. risks, being sure we don’t condone forced or child labour
Optimise: we must work efficiently and effectively, if in our supply chain or considering the ethics involved in
we’re to hold on to our most talented people and invest accepting instructions from a new client.
1.10 PRACTICE GROUPS in the long-term future of our business. 1.13.3 It means doing the right thing by our people too.
We’ve worked hard to create an environment where
1.12 The values we live by individuals with different talents, cultures and outlooks
Our activities are divided into four Finance & Projects Risk Advisory Solutions 1.12.1 From your first encounter with Pinsent Masons, can benefit from working together. Join us and you’ll
Practice Groups, each focusing on we hope you’ve got a sense of our core values. These find groups that support all our employees.
• Banking & Restructuring • Construction & Advisory Disputes
an area of expertise. Within each • Financial Regulation • Contentious Tax are so much more than stated beliefs, they’re integral to 1.13.4 And it extends out to our local and global
of these groups are a number of • Insurance • Intellectual Property
everything we do, whether that’s firm-wide processes communities. With Starfish, our community investment
• Investment Funds • Litigation & Regulatory
specialist teams. • Pensions • TMT (Technology, Media & Telecoms) or individual actions. Only by staying true to these programme, we’re investing in the education and
• Projects
values will we achieve our vision. And we expect our employability of young people growing up in the areas
trainees to share the same mindset. where we work. And further afield, our relationship with
Property Transactional Services Approachable: down to earth, respectful the global charity Free The Children is helping find new
• Property Development • Commercial
Trust is vital to everything we do. Decisions are families for children who have no one else to turn to.
• Property Dispute Resolution • Corporate made with integrity, judgements are backed up, and
• Property Investment • Employment
• Property P&E, E&I (Planning & Environment • EU & Competition
pragmatic resolutions found. We treat everyone as
and Energy & Infrastructure) • Non-contentious Tax we would want to be treated.
18. 19.This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate ˝We continue to nurture a working culture that employs the very best people and allows them to stretch themselves and fulfil their potential. 1.14 Project Sky – levelling the playing field. 1.14.1 Achieving a better gender balance is important for a number of practical reasons. For one, it makes the office a better place to be. It also makes a business more productive and successful – there’s lots of evidence that balanced teams make better decisions. And it makes us more representative of our clients (who may themselves be tackling similar challenges). 1.14.2 The figures don’t lie. While women form around 60% of our graduate intake, in 2013 they represented just 20% of our Partners. We knew that had to change. 1.14.3 Pinsent Masons formalised this objective into Project Sky – an initiative dedicated to appointing more women into senior roles across the business. 1.14.4 Through addressing issues such as career planning and transparency around promotion, agile working, maternity/paternity support and unconscious bias training, Project Sky aims to level the playing field for all staff. 1.14.5 We are committed members of the 30% Club (see 30percentclub.org) and in 2013 set an initial target of 25% female partners by 2018. We’ve already made good progress, increasing the percentage to 23% in 2016. 44% of those promoted to partner in 2016 were female. 1.14.6 We continue to work towards our 2018 goal of a 25% female partnership and by focusing on the delivery of measurable improvements, Project Sky stands to benefit everyone. Megan Herd, Solicitor, Aberdeen 20. 21.
This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
˝Project Sky aims to level the
playing field for all staff.
The Aberdeen office enjoying some post-work touch-rugby
22. 23.This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
STEPHEN TOBIN
PARTNER, LONDON
To start with, I didn’t know what area of law I wanted to qualify into, although
I knew I enjoyed transactional work. Moving around different seats, between
offices and sectors, made it difficult to decide. Then in my second-year, one
of my seats was in Energy – which happened to be in the middle of a large
transaction for a huge multinational. I found myself sitting in client meetings,
with points worth tens of millions of pounds being debated. The constant
intellectual challenge and the pressure of being involved in a big commercial
deal gave me a buzz I really liked.
Partly, the training is about sector, and you get to deal with may sound geeky to some, but
exposing you to these situations, specialists across the firm. It also I’m fascinated by the technical
and giving you a first-hand offers ample room for choice – we detail. For example – who owns
feel for negotiations between have people who advise on oil and electricity as it makes its way
large organisations. It certainly gas, on renewables, on fracking, on from power station to socket?
helped me to decide on what gas and coal power projects and Is it the individual electrons that
area I wanted to qualify into. I’ve also on nuclear. These are all very you own or is it the power you
been working in the Energy and different areas of expertise – and use? To advise properly, you need
Infrastructure sectors ever since. all areas of law come into play. to understand the issues – and
Energy’s a good focus – it’s Understanding how an not just hold the pen.
international, it’s an essential electricity network functions Stephen Tobin, Partner, London
24. 25.This is Pinsent Masons, today pinsentmasons.com/graduate
SECTION
SECTION 01 SUMMARY
1.2.1 Commercial awareness is key to adding value.
Knowing the law is not enough; you need to be able
— 02
to pinpoint opportunities.
1.3.2 By the time you qualify you will already be
a sought-after specialist.
1.4 Pinsent Masons’ turnover is more than £380m,
84% of which comes from clients in our key sectors.
The vacation placement is a great way for you
1.5 Pinsent Masons has more 'recommended lawyers'
than any other firm and comes in the top 5 for 'leading to experience life at the firm first hand. You will
individuals'. be welcomed into the team, and get a real taste
of what it’s like to be a trainee at Pinsent Masons.
We are looking for exceptional individuals who are
driven, confident and commercially aware. It is the
best way for you to get to know us, and for us to
get to know you.
This is your vacation placement.
26. 27.This is your vacation placement pinsentmasons.com/graduate
THIS IS YOUR VACATION PLACEMENT
2. Our Vacation Placement is an exciting opportunity
for you to find out more about life at Pinsent Masons.
Our placements take place in the summer, and offer you
a valuable insight into the culture of the firm and the work
that we do.
2.1 The Placement
2.1.1 We dedicate an enormous amount of time and energy to ensuring that the
experience is as practical and true to the life of a trainee solicitor as possible. Over
the course of a number of weeks, you will be fully immersed in all aspects of working
life. The placement offers you a structured programme of work-based learning, skills
training and presentations, working alongside trainees and solicitors on live client
matters.
2.1.2 You’ll experience first-hand what it’s like to be part of a team, and get the
chance to make a great first impression. To support you during your time at the firm,
you’ll be paired with a trainee buddy who will be on hand to answer any questions
you may have, before and during the placement. You will also be assigned to an
experienced supervisor who will work closely with you throughout your placement,
to ensure that you are participating in a wide range of matters.
2.1.3 There will be lots of additional activities for you to take advantage of including
a social event or two, which present a great opportunity for you to really understand
the culture at Pinsent Masons, make friends and start building a network of contacts!
VACATION Your peers on the Vacation Placement may well be your Trainee Solicitor peers in a
PLACEMENT year or two’s time.
PAY
2.2 The route to a training contract
LONDON 2.2.1 The facts speak for themselves. A good 70% of our trainees regularly join us after
£350 per week experiencing the working environment first-hand over a summer placement. It’s by far
the best way for you to get to know us, and for us get to know you.
ENGLISH REGIONS 2.2.2 During the last week of your placement, you will undertake a series of
£300 per week assessments to be considered for a Training Contract. We take account of the results
from these assessments, together with the departmental feedback we gather on your
SCOTLAND performance throughout the placement. This means that we can be confident in our
£300 per week decision as to whether or not you are likely to be a successful commercial lawyer at our
firm.
BELFAST 2.2.3 Of course, we do acknowledge that not everyone is able to undertake a Vacation
£255 per week Placement and annually have a number of Training Contract positions that we fill
Birmingham Vacation Placement students on a social evening directly.
28. 29.This is your vacation placement pinsentmasons.com/graduate ˝My placement confirmed my aspiration to become a solicitor in a commercial firm, and I would certainly recommend the experience. Luke Kelly Vacation placement student 2016 30. 31.
This is your vacation placement pinsentmasons.com/graduate
3. We could spend all day telling you how great our
vacation placement is. We have no problem waxing lyrical
about the exciting opportunities which will be available
to you and the benefits which come with undertaking our
vacation placement programme. However, we thought you
would prefer to hear it directly from those who have spent
some time with us...
˝
After having spent an amazing
three weeks on the Summer
Vacation Placement, it’s easy
˝
I have seen first-hand that Pinsent
Masons’ core value of being
approachable isn’t just a word in
to see why the programme is a graduate recruitment brochure
highly rated. From the structure or on a website, but rather is a true
and organisation, to the social representation of everyone in the
events and the people – the firm including the receptionists,
firm more than lived up to their graduate recruitment, paralegals
values and far exceeded my own and the partners.
expectations. I cannot recommend Alice Beresford
the Vacation Placement enough!
Emma Shewan
˝
All in all the application process
˝
The Vacation Placement at Pinsent
Masons was a great way to get
a real feel for the firm and the
has been an enjoyable experience,
types of tasks I could be expected
albeit challenging at times, and
to undertake if successful in
I would strongly recommend the
obtaining a Training Contract
firm to any aspiring lawyer!
It has confirmed my aspiration to
Fiona Timms
become a solicitor in a commercial
firm, and I would certainly
˝
recommend the experience.
Luke Kelly
I very much enjoyed my time
at Pinsent Masons and if I
take anything away from my
experience, it will be that
Approachable, Bold and
Connected are pretty good
values to live (and work) by.
Alex Thomas
Vacation placement student enjoying some lunchtime table tennis
32. 33.This is your vacation placement pinsentmasons.com/graduate
SECTION
SECTION 02 SUMMARY
2.0 Our placements offer you a valuable insight into the work
and culture of the firm.
— 03
2.1.1 We dedicate an enormous amount of time and energy
to ensure that the experience is practical and reflects the life
of a trainee solicitor.
2.1.1 You will be fully immersed in all aspects of working life at
Pinsent Masons.
It’s your training contract – no one else’s. And
2.1.2 You will be supported by a trainee buddy and experienced
supervisor. we work with you to shape it. Your two years’
training consists of four separate seats. If there’s
any particular sector or practice area you want to
experience, you can have a say in making it happen.
This is where you can build up your network of
contacts, put yourself forward, and show us what
you’re capable of.
This is your training contract.
34. 35.This is your training contract pinsentmasons.com/graduate
THIS IS YOUR TRAINING CONTRACT
3. Your training contract will be an experience unique
TRAINEE to you. We will work with you to put your stamp on it,
SALARIES
incorporating your individual interests, ambitions and
LONDON development needs. From the moment you accept our offer,
Year 1: £38,000 we’ll stay connected and make sure you are as prepared as
Year 2: £41,000
you can be for your first two years of practice with us. If you
ENGLISH REGIONS join us with an open mind and are keen to get stuck in, who
Year 1: £26,500 knows where you will be in a few years time.
Year 2: £28,500
3.1 Setting your direction
SCOTLAND 3.1.1 Here’s the crucial point – not all training contracts are the same. Different
Year 1: £22,000 firms have differing expectations of their graduates, and tailor their training
Year 2: £24,500 accordingly. The level of responsibility (for example, via the Relationship Trainee
Programme), client exposure, and personalised career guidance you receive
BELFAST is different from what you might experience at some of our larger competitors.
Year 1: £13,500 Which environment you prefer is a question for you. Our guiding principle is to treat
Year 2: £15,000 you as a valued professional with an important contribution to make from day one.
3.2 Getting to know us
3.2.1 Your training begins the moment you accept our offer. As there may be
something of a gap between your acceptance and reaching your desk, we make sure
QUALIFIED the future’s never far from your thoughts through a series of events and supporting
SALARIES communications designed to keep us connected. If there’s anything you want to
discuss, we’re always available and approachable. By the time you start your training
LONDON contract, it won’t feel anything like such a leap into the unknown.
£65,000 3.2.2 For all trainees, the training contract itself begins with an induction at our
London Crown Place office. It’s also the perfect chance for you to start getting to
ENGLISH REGIONS know the others in your intake – colleagues you’ll be working with in the coming
£40,000 months and years. This is the beginning of the business-wide network of contacts
that will be fundamental to your career.
SCOTLAND 3.2.3 When you first meet your future colleagues, you might be surprised at the
£38,000 variety of people with whom you have a career in common. As a company with
global reach, we believe that there’s strength in diversity. In our Practice Groups, the
BELFAST wealth of personal and cultural perspectives is greater than the sum of its parts – and
£27,000 we make sure we recruit on that principle. Whatever your background, if we believe
Entrance, Crown Place, London you have the necessary talent, personality and ambition, then that’s all that matters.
36. 37.This is your training contract pinsentmasons.com/graduate
3.3 Setting you up for success
3.3.1 After your office-based induction, your training begins with an
off-site Trainee Conference, bringing together all of our new trainees.
Involving a mix of skills, regulatory and ethical training courses, this five-day
residential course introduces you to the kind of intensive legal training that
will feature throughout your career. The combination of daytime seminars
and evening events provides a perfect environment for trainees to prepare
for life at the sharp end, while getting to know each other socially.
3.3.2 Next, you’ll go straight into your first seat. Over the course of the
two-year training contract, we’ll guide you through the range of seat
options, embracing different Practice Groups and Business Sectors. We’ll
support your aspirations and expand your horizons, while sometimes
challenging you to step out of your comfort zone.
3.4 Your departmental seats
3.4.1 At the beginning of each new seat, you will receive technical legal
training relevant to the Practice Group. This is designed to introduce you
to the law in practice in each new area you experience.
3.4.2 In each of your six-month seats, you’ll become an integral member
of a specialist team, working closely with everyone, up to and including
the most senior members, who will be pleased to give you their time and
guidance to help you develop faster.
3.4.3 As opposed to contributing from the margins, you’ll be right at the
centre of things – learning by watching, listening and doing, and being
˝We
fully involved in any current matters. Along the way, there will be plenty
of chances to take on interesting challenges and additional responsibility,
as well as showing your mettle – but no one’s going to spoon-feed you.
It’s going to be your drive and initiative that makes it happen.
3.4.4 A bit of personal flexibility can make a big impact on how you are
believe in
perceived by both colleagues and clients. We believe in giving you input into giving you a
your four seats – but our client and business needs are also crucial factors
in determining where seats can be offered. For example, a seat in your say in deciding
preferred practice area may not be available in your first choice of location,
and vice versa. So you’ll have to weigh up the various options and decide your four
which alternative offers you most. That said, we work with our trainees
and the business to accommodate seat preferences where possible. seats. Trainees starting to build their networks at the residential Trainee Conference
38. 39.This is your training contract pinsentmasons.com/graduate
3.5 Secondments – now and in the future
3.5.1 In your second year, you could be one of the 15% of trainees
who go on secondment to one of our clients. Time in a client team –
such as, BP, Manchester City FC or Heathrow Airport – immerses you 3.7.2 It all adds up to a training environment that encourages you to seek
in a different business environment, and equips you with first-hand out opportunities, ‘put your hand up’ and set both the course and pace of
commercial insight into what clients want. your own development. We’re looking for people who are self-assured, agile
3.5.2 Once you qualify, your horizons expand further. Undertaking a and welcome a challenge or two. We’ll give you the chance to build the
qualified international secondment can open your eyes to different career that you want – it’s up to you to take it.
cultures and business perspectives. However, you don’t need to go
overseas to experience international working, given that so much of our 3.8 After you qualify
international work is project managed from the UK. 3.8.1 Offering you a training contract shows we believe in you enough
to invest in your career and personal development. Naturally, we want
3.6 Complementary training to retain as many trainees as possible. In recent qualification rounds, we
˝
3.6.1 From the moment you receive our offer right through to qualification, offered newly qualified opportunities to over 80% of our trainees, and
our Graduate Recruitment & Development teams will support and guide we’ve every confidence, given the quality of our graduates and our training,
you. This extends from arranging keeping in touch events (so we can The Trainee in aiming even higher.
get to know each other a bit before you start) to providing regular one-
to-one sessions during your training contract. We believe that working Conference 3.8.2 Every trainee we retain can look forward to quickly gaining
experience of challenging, high-quality work, and many aspire to
hard on your behalf makes a big difference to the whole training contract
experience. By the time you qualify, we’ll be very familiar faces indeed.
brings everyone partnership with us. Even amongst those that move on, many achieve
prominence at other top firms and in the legal departments of major
3.6.2 As well as technical legal training, you’ll receive regular core skills together and companies (including some of our clients).
gives you an
˝
and regulatory training designed to complement your day-to-day learning 3.8.3 So, where do you see yourself in ten years’ time? The best thing you
and prepare you fully for life after you qualify. Once you qualify, you’ll can do is open yourself up to grasping the opportunities that come your
benefit from courses run by the Pinsent Masons Academy. These focus
on developing your commercial, management and leadership skills, in
immediate feel way. That’s true from the moment you join us, and holds true throughout
your career here.
In recent
areas such as business pitching, project and matter management, and for the firm’s qualification
enhancing commercial awareness. You will gain a depth of legal and
commercial understanding that will equip you to take on a significant level values. None 3.9 Alternative career routes
3.9.1 Whatever the other attractions, no one goes into commercial law in
rounds, we
of responsibility. of my friends search of an easy life. Complex and challenging client work and demanding
deadlines – it’s all in a day’s work for your average lawyer, and a necessary
offered newly
3.7 Building a world network elsewhere had step towards partnership. Partners are the managers and stakeholders in a qualified
3.7.1 Of course, there’s the international angle. A great deal of our work
has an international element and much of it is managed from the UK. In anything like it. law firm, and partnership was traditionally the aspiration of every lawyer as
they set out on their career journey. We recognise that not everyone wants opportunities to
today’s business world, we need to think and act as one firm – pooling
resources, information and expertise between different offices and legal Katy Docherty
to make the kind of sacrifices needed to become a Partner. These days,
Pinsent Masons can offer you alternative routes that allow you to progress
over 80% of our
jurisdictions. Trainee Solicitor, Glasgow and pursue a rewarding and challenging career... trainees
40. 41.This is your training contract pinsentmasons.com/graduate
3.10 The Legal Director
3.10.1 As opposed to performing a high-profile client-facing role, some
people prefer to earn recognition purely for their practice area or
sector-specific expertise. Becoming a Legal Director is a parallel route
that focuses less on business development, and more on becoming an
authoritative source of specialist advice. It’s a fork-in-the-road choice
that you can take at Senior Associate-level – maybe for family reasons,
or simply because you don’t feel comfortable with the sales aspects of
partnership – and it doesn’t have to be forever. Legal Directors can switch
˝
back onto the partnership track if and when the time is right.
3.11 The Practice Development Lawyer
3.11.1It’s fair to say that lawyers aren’t generally known for having a The Graduate
nine-to-five mentality. But if for any reason you feel better suited to a role
that keeps more regular hours, becoming a Practice Development Lawyer
Development
could be an alternative. Practice Development Lawyers act as trainers and team is always
educators for other members of their Practice Group as well as clients.
They horizon-watch, keep up-to-date with all the latest developments, and there for you. In
ensure that all training and support materials are as comprehensive and as
informative as they need to be. It’s a core role that requires high-level legal
the one-to-one
knowledge and skills. The input of Practice Development Lawyers is integral sessions, you feel
to the running of a productive and successful Practice Group and business.
you can discuss
3.12 Where to next?
3.12.1 So, will there ever come a time when challenging work and pressure
anything with
to deliver aren’t inextricably bound with the legal culture? In a nutshell, no them.
– because to a large extent, that’s what makes the law such a dynamic and
rewarding career choice. But with some empathy and a lot of clear-sighted
business planning, we can continue to nurture a working culture that Rachael O’Connor
employs the very best people and allows them to fulfil their potential. Trainee Solicitor, Leeds Greg Dingwall, Associate, Glasgow office
42. 43.This is your training contract pinsentmasons.com/graduate
˝Ivariety
was lucky enough to go on a
of secondments during
my training contract, which gave
me loads of opportunities to build
networks both internally and
externally. This really helped
when making a decision during
the qualification process.
Sam De Souza
Solicitor, London
44. 45.This is your training contract pinsentmasons.com/graduate
BILL GEIRINGER
SOLICITOR, LONDON
I realised early on in my training contract that dispute resolution was the area of
law I wanted to specialise in. It was fast-paced, strategic, tactical; all the things
that made me want to be a solicitor in the first place. So, when I was taking my
seat in the Litigation and Regulatory department, I jumped at the opportunity to
assist the civil fraud team in an application for a worldwide asset freezing order.
After the claimant had documenting the steps taken to try successfully obtain the freezing
contacted the matter partner, a and locate the defendant and the order. The team ethic that
team was quickly assembled. Time assets. It was a great feeling to see developed under the pressure
is very much of the essence in civil my work being used as evidence in of that week was great, a real
fraud work. The longer it takes to support of the application. motivator, and I felt, as did all
obtain the order, the more time Despite the intense time members of the team, that my
the defendant has to potentially pressures, I was fully supported work and input was really valued.
dissipate stolen assets, so the by my supervisor and senior The time pressures of civil fraud
pressure was on from the word go. members of the team. I hadn’t work mean trainees will often
There were several interesting drafted a witness statement in be given tasks that are perhaps
elements to the case: offshore its entirety before, so they took above their level of experience. But
lawyers and private investigators the time to explain to me what challenging yourself is a great way
were involved, with a criminal was required, helped decide on to learn. Through my involvement
investigation running alongside the questions I needed to ask the in this case, and the support and
our civil work. As well as my role investigator, and gave advice on advice I was given, I felt totally
in the document review team, I the format of the statement and confident in making the transition
had sole responsibility for liaising the important points to emphasise from trainee to qualified solicitor.
with the private investigator. After in support of our application.
several conversations, I drafted a After all our hard work, it
witness statement in his name, was immensely satisfying to Zara Early, Trainee Solicitor, Edinburgh Bill Geiringer, Solicitor, London
46. 47.This is your development pinsentmasons.com/graduate
SECTION
SECTION 03 SUMMARY
3.2.2 Your training begins with a five-day residential Trainee
Conference, followed by technical legal training from your
— 04
Practice Group.
3.5.1Secondments are an excellent learning opportunity.
15% of our second-year trainees undertake one.
3.5.2A great deal of our work has an international element,
and much of it is managed from the UK.
3.8.1 Around 80% of our trainees are retained, and your
training continues beyond qualification through the Pinsent An at-a-glance guide to your next steps, whether
Masons Academy. towards a vacation placement or a training
contract, and for both law and non-law students.
It includes essential information on what we’re
looking for, our timescales and processes, plus ideas
on what you can do to make the first steps towards
a career in commercial law.
This is your application.
48. 49.This is your application pinsentmasons.com/graduate
THIS IS YOUR APPLICATION
4. This is where it really starts. The possibility of
taking the law into your own hands begins with your
application. As you will see, there is no single route.
What you do next depends on your undergraduate
degree discipline, the jurisdiction you want to train
in and when you expect to qualify.
4.1 This is what happens next
4.1.1 Recruitment and selection is about an exchange of information; we
want to learn more about you and you want to learn more about us. And,
that’s what our processes are designed to do. We want to provide you with
the opportunity to tell us all about who you are and what has shaped you
into the person you are today. We provide detailed information about our
˝We want to selection tools ahead of any assessment centres to remove any barriers to
your success. That way, we know you’ll give the best account of yourself and
maximise your chances of success..
provide you with 4.1.2 Over the next few pages you’ll discover exactly what we are looking for
in our future colleagues, what your options are and how you go about making
the opportunity your application.
to tell us all 4.2 This is how to find out more
about who you 4.2.1 The next few pages tell you pretty much everything you need to know
about making an application for a vacation placement or training contract but
are and what has if you want to find out more about our office locations and our people visit
shaped you into pinsentmasons.com/graduate. This will guide you stage-by-stage through the
recruitment and assessment process for vacation placements and training
the person you contracts. Here, you can also find details of campus events and answers to
frequently-asked questions, or, alternatively, you can connect to us through
Belfast vacation student preparing for assessment centre are today. social media.
50. 51.This is how to apply pinsentmasons.com/graduate
˝Itingredients
takes a number of
to make
4.3 THIS IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
a successful lawyer, We believe in being as transparent as possible when it comes to our recruitment.
but get the balance Set out below are the key skills and abilities we are looking for in our Vacation
Placement students and Trainee Solicitors; our eight core capabilities. These reflect
right and the rewards the qualities that our clients demand from our lawyers, so you can be confident
will follow. that, if you are successful in securing a training contract with us, you possess the
qualities needed to progress at the firm.
Deborah McCormack, Head of Recruitment
and Graduate Development
Commercially Interested Driven Self-directed
Interested in how ‘commerce’ works Wants to do as well as they can Takes responsibility for themselves
• Takes an interest on how business works • Diligent; works hard to achieve goals • Has thought about what they want from a career
•H as an everyday understanding of how the • Prepared to go the extra mile to get things done • Takes on responsibility when they can
law can help commercial clients • Shows energy and enthusiasm • Accepts responsibility when things go wrong
•D emonstrates enthusiasm for thinking • Reviews what they learn from experience • Makes others feel confident in their competence
about business issues • Wants to improve the standard of what they do • Knows their limitations as well as their strengths
Confident Intellectually Capable Sociable
Makes a positive impact Thinks a lot about what they do Gets on well with a wide range of people
• Appears self-confident • Appears to think quickly on their feet • Is personable and friendly
• Is prepared to express an independent view • Has good analytical and research skills • Is comfortable meeting new people
•T akes charge; assumes positions of responsibility • Tries out different ideas when solving problems • Seeks to engage people in conversation
• Is unconcerned about asking for help if they need it • Thinks about the implications of what they are doing • Communicates clearly and positively
• Can defend themselves in an argument • Looks for opportunities to learn new things • Mixes with people from any age, race, gender,
• Can sell ideas and concepts • Wants to know how other people think occupation, level of seniority, etc.
Detail-conscious Organised
Takes care of details Manages tasks effectively
• Is able to tolerate and absorb large amounts •T hinks about and plans how to use the time
of written detail they have available
• Can stick to it when reading reference material • Prioritises conflicting demands
• Writes error-free English • Monitors their own progress against objectives
• Enjoys spotting when things are wrong • Is conscientious about meeting deadlines
52. 53.your to
This is how application
apply pinsentmasons.com/graduate
4.3 SELECTION PROCESS 4.4 DETAILS
Vacation Placements
Training Contracts
From November 2016 we will be accepting
From November 2016 we will be accepting
applications online for summer vacation placements
SUMMER VACATION TRAINING applications for Training Contracts commencing
in 2017. These are designed for candidates looking
PLACEMENT CONTRACT in 2019 in England and Scotland and 2017 in our
to commence a training contract in September
Belfast office.
2019 (or September 2018 in Belfast). Please see the
Pinsent Masons website for closing dates in different
• Deadline for applications: English offices
jurisdictions.
28 July 2017. Assessment centres typically take
place in August.
For further information, please visit our careers
website: pinsentmasons.com/graduate
• Deadline for applications: Scottish offices
29 September 2017. Assessment centres typically
ONLINE take place in October/November.
APPLICATION
• Deadline for applications: Belfast office
20 January 2017. Assessment centres typically
take place in February/March.
PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT Our minimum requirements* secured a place at the Institute of Professional Legal
TEST & INTERVIEW CENTRE • 300+ UCAS points at A-level or equivalent Studies before commencing their training contract.
(excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies) Alternatively, the Belfast office is also registered to
• A strong 2:1 degree. accept students who have completed the one-year
• Achievement of the relevant qualifications in Legal Practice Course and will accept applications
1. PSYCHOMETRIC
TEST
the jurisdiction you wish to qualify into, namely: for a training contract from candidates following
this route.
England
You do not need to have studied an undergraduate Sponsorship
2. WRITTEN EXERCISE
Law degree to practice law in England. However, If you are successful in securing a training contract
WRITTEN EXERCISE, PRESENTATION
non-law graduates will need to complete the one- at the firm, but still need to complete either the GDL
& FURTHER INTERVIEW year Graduate Diploma in Law before undertaking and/or LPC; PEAT1 in Scotland; or the IPLS in Northern
the Legal Practice Course. You must achieve a Ireland, we will cover the cost of your tuition and
Commendation or above in both these courses. provide a competitive maintenance award to help
3. PRESENTATION with living expenses.
Scotland
Scottish applicants must have a qualifying Scots Law We do not pay fees retrospectively.
degree in order to apply for a traineeship, and have
PRACTICE GROUP FEEDBACK 4. INTERVIEW completed the Diploma in Legal Practice (PEAT1)
before commencing their training contract. * If you fail to meet our minimum requirements but
still feel you can demonstrate all eight of our core
TRAINING Northern Ireland capabilities then please contact us to discuss this, prior
CONTRACT OFFER Candidates applying in Northern Ireland must have to making an application.
8.
54. 55.This is your application pinsentmasons.com/graduate
JENNIFER OLIVER
ASSOCIATE, GLASGOW
I became pregnant in my final year at university, and completed my postgraduate
diploma over the term of my pregnancy. By the time I started my traineeship, I had
a son of nearly two. Balancing that situation with the demands of my traineeship
was difficult – very difficult at times – but I never got a sense that Graduate
Development viewed my circumstances as an obstacle. On the contrary, I was
given great opportunities to develop, and they worked with me to ensure that all
of my four seats would be in Glasgow, to tie in with childcare commitments. Also,
I really appreciated the effort that all four teams made to accommodate me. I was
given plenty of leeway to take work home and deal with it in the evening.
Even though equality is far from little time, it gets easier to achieve
being a settled issue in the industry, it a working balance – although I did
helps that there are some really good have to complicate matters by having
role models within this firm, making a second child! Ultimately though,
inroads and setting examples of how to I’m grateful for the faith the firm has
achieve a balance. Even at interview, I shown in me – I doubt there are many
got the impression that Pinsent Masons places where I’d have been given either
is notably forward-thinking in the way the opportunities or the welcome I’ve
it looks for solutions. received here. I know of other women
I qualified into the Projects group who’ve been in the same position
in Glasgow, where I have now been who haven’t enjoyed such a positive
The desk of Jennifer Oliver, Associate, Glasgow based for nearly five years. Given a experience.
56. 57.This is your application pinsentmasons.com/graduate
4.5 YOUR PATH TO QUALIFICATION
QUALIFY AND
EXPERIENCE
PRE-UNIVERSITY CONSIDER EVEN MORE
SEAT SECONDMENT OPPORTUNTITIES
LEGAL WORK NON-LEGAL OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE THE
EXPERIENCE WORK EXPERIENCE FOUR & PREPARE FOR LAW INTO YOUR
QUALIFICATION OWN HANDS
1
These are the experiences that POSITIONS OF There are a variety of things you can get
Other things to think about:
involved in while you train, including:
will prepare you for a career in RESPONSIBILITY HOBBIES/
law. But don’t worry if you don’t INTERESTS
CONSIDER
have any legal experience yet, Go online to see what
SECONDMENT
that’s what vacation placements experiences you have that
OPPORTUNITIES Becoming a Being a social Involving yourself How will I stand What Practice Group and
Relationship representative in Corporate out from the sector might be my
match the Pinsent Masons
are for… Eight key capabilities (p.53)
Trainee Responsibility crowd? preference once
and sports qualified?
UNIVERSITY
LEARN GAIN ATTEND A SEAT SEAT SEAT
ABOUT COMMERCIAL LAW FAIR 1st YEAR
FIRMS & AWARENESS THREE TWO ONE
WHAT THEY
LOOK FOR
2
ATTEND Use this section to If qualifying in England, convert
AN INSIGHT JOIN THE create a to-do list your non-law degree via the
EVENING LAW SOCIETY Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Although you need to remain
where there are gaps in Non-law graduates converting to flexible and react to business
4
AIM FOR your experience. Here law in Scotland can undertake the
TRAINING
TOP GRADES are some suggestions accelerated Scots degree. needs, it doesn’t do any harm
to start thinking about your CONTRACT
to get you started…
LAW SCHOOL training contract goals.
PENULTIMATE/FINAL SHORTLIST SHORTLIST
CONSIDER FIRMS FOR APPLY FOR WHERE TO USE THE START TO BUILD
POTENTIAL APPLICATION A VACATION STUDY & VACATION A NETWORK
GET ELECTED TRAINING & ATTEND A PLACEMENT IDENTIFY PERIOD TO WITH OTHER
VOTE TO A CONTRACT PRESENTATION OR TRAINING SUITABLE IMPROVE FUTURE PINSENT
COMMITTEE LOCATIONS EVENING CONTRACT MODULE YOUR SKILLS MASONS
CHOICES FURTHER TRAINEES
3
58. 59.This is your application pinsentmasons.com/graduate
As we said right at the start of this brochure
‘it’s decision time’. This is the time for you to
really think about what you want the future
to hold for you. You have seen that, at Pinsent
Masons, we have a vision and culture we are
both committed to and proud of.
Innovation is critical to the success of our
business, as are our people. We are looking
SECTION 04 SUMMARY for people with ideas and opinions; with
confidence and intellectual curiosity. People
4.1.1 Our application process gives you the opportunity to with the intelligence and imagination to spot
tell us about who you are and what has shaped you into the
person you are today. opportunities and create innovative solutions
4.3 We are transparent when it comes to what we are for our clients. People who can build and
looking for. We have eight core capabilities that we look for
in our Vacation Placement students and Trainee Solicitors. maintain the relationships which allow them
4.4 Visit pinsentmasons.com/graduate to access our online to become trusted commercial advisors.
application form.
We are a market-leading firm and want you
to be part of our current and future success.
If you like what you’ve seen so far, we’d like
to hear from you. Now, take the law into your
own hands.
60. 61.You can also read
