An insight as a summer intern in our Dublin office
I’m Catriona Shanley, a trainee solicitor in Pinsent Masons’ Dublin office, and I want to share a little bit about my journey, from a summer intern to working across continents. If you’re considering applying for an internship or training contract, this might give you a glimpse of what’s possible.
Like most law students in my penultimate year, I applied for several internships. What made Pinsent Masons stand out? Honestly, the application process. It wasn’t just another interview, it was structured, clear, and practical. Instead of relying solely on how well you talk under pressure, the situational judgment exercise and assessment centre gave me a chance to show what I could actually do. For anyone who dreads traditional interviews, this approach is a breath of fresh air.
On day one of my internship, I was handed a Share Purchase Agreement to draft. Yes, really. It was daunting, but also rewarding, because it showed how the team are committed to getting juniors involved in challenging and technical work. I wasn’t just making coffee or shadowing meetings; I was doing real work that mattered. Alongside that, I researched emerging legal issues and drafted advice on new government guidelines. It was hands-on from the start, and that’s where the learning really happens.
Pinsent Masons isn’t just about the work; it’s about the people. The firm’s values - approachable, bold, connected - aren’t just words on a website. You feel them every day. The open-plan office makes it easy to ask questions and learn by osmosis. Everyone was willing to help, and that support makes all the difference when you’re starting out.
And then there’s the tech. Pinsent Masons is big on innovation, which means you get access to tools that make processes like due diligence faster and smarter. It’s a great way to see how law and technology intersect.
Internship socials, summer parties, these aren’t just fun (though they are!). They’re opportunities to build relationships and get to know your colleagues outside of work. Those connections matter more than you think.
The internship led to a training contract offer, which I happily accepted. While studying for my FE1 exams, I worked as a paralegal with the firm—another chance to learn and stay connected. After exams, I decided to move to Australia before starting my training contract. Thanks to Pinsent Masons’ global network, I worked in the Sydney office during my time abroad. That experience was incredible, professionally and personally. It showed me just how connected the firm is and how many doors can open when you’re part of a global team.
If you’re thinking about applying for a summer internship, do it. The summer internship experience will not only give you an insight into life as a trainee solicitor but will also set the foundation for an exciting and rewarding career. You’ll learn, grow, and maybe even find yourself working on the other side of the world one day.