1. What did you think the internship would be like before you started, and what surprised you most?
Before starting, I expected the internship to be a lot more formal and pressured. In my head, I imagined quite a rigid, hierarchical environment where everything you did was being watched through a magnifying glass and, as an intern, that you would simply be given work to complete in the background.
What surprised me most was how different the reality was. Everyone was incredibly friendly and approachable, and I had some genuinely great conversations with people across the firm. What stood out was that people seemed genuinely invested in your development. Coffee chats, conversations and opportunities to get involved never felt like a box-ticking exercise; people actually took the time to speak to you, teach you and make you feel part of the team.
2. What is one myth about working in law or applying for internships that you would now challenge?
One of the biggest myths I would challenge is that you need to know everything before starting an internship. I remember sitting in the induction and hearing other students ask questions where I didn’t even understand some of the terminology! But that is completely fine. You aren’t a trainee yet, and firms don’t expect you to be one. It is much more about whether you demonstrate the qualities and potential to become a good trainee.
I would also challenge the idea that there is one ‘correct’ route into law or that you’re behind if you haven’t secured a vacation scheme by a certain point. On my scheme, people had taken completely different routes: some had done conversion courses, some had little legal work experience, some had already graduated, and one person had even completed the SQE. Everyone’s journey is different, so don’t measure your progress against somebody else’s timeline.
Finally, I think the idea that a career in law automatically means having no work-life balance can be exaggerated. Of course, it depends on the firm and team, and there can be demanding periods, but I worked alongside people with families, children, non-working days and commitments outside work who still maintained a healthy balance.
3. What was one moment during the six weeks when you felt like you were genuinely contributing?
One moment that really stood out was completing a cast list and chronology from a case bundle. I later joined a call on the same matter and was able to watch the proceedings unfold, seeing the parties I had been researching appear on screen and the barrister using the material I had helped prepare to navigate the case.
That was probably the moment it clicked that the work I was doing wasn’t just an exercise for an intern; it was actually contributing to a live matter and being used by the wider legal team.
4. What are three things you would tell someone applying for an internship this year?
- Find the right firm for you
Applications are extremely competitive, but remember that while you’re trying to impress a firm, they’re also looking for people who genuinely fit them. Many large commercial firms can offer major clients, international work and exciting matters, so look deeper and find out what makes Pinsent Masons stand out to you: What is the firm’s culture? Who are their clients? What type of people thrive there? Find something that genuinely aligns with you.
- Take the process one stage at a time.
It can feel daunting when applications open and it seems like everyone is applying to the same firms. Instead of worrying about the entire process, focus on the stage directly in front of you. First, can you write a great application? Then, can you perform well in the psychometric or situational judgement test? Then, can you communicate confidently at interview? Break the process down and give each stage your full attention.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Every year, people go through exactly the same process you’re going through now. Reach out to them, attend events, ask questions and, if possible, find a mentor. Learning from someone who has already navigated the process can make a massive difference.
5. You’re returning for your training contract. Looking back, what do you think helped you stand out and ultimately secure that opportunity?
For me, I think one of the biggest things was my enthusiasm. I tried to say yes to everything and fully immerse myself in what the internship had to offer. If there was a call, I joined it. If there was an event, I signed up. If there was a task, I volunteered. If there was an opportunity to have a conversation with someone, I started one.
I didn’t want to reach the end of the six weeks feeling like I had left opportunities on the table. I tried to be genuinely curious, enthusiastic and willing to get involved, and I think that allowed people to see both my personality and how much I wanted to be there.
This interview was conducted by Ana Afonso from the 10,000 Interns Foundation and is shared with permission to celebrate the experiences of interns who have participated in the programme.
If you are interested in becoming a 10K member, please visit their website and register to be allocated to Pinsent Masons. More information on our 10,000 interns programme can be found here.
