Before applying to Pinsent Masons training contract or vacation scheme, you should read our comprehensive guide about the firm. Pinsent Masons is a true international legal giant with offices around the world. In this guide, you will learn all about the application process, the requirements, and tips to help you succeed in your application.
Having a well-crafted legal CV and a personalized cover letter can significantly increase your chances of securing a training contract or a vacation scheme.
What is the Pinsent Masons Training Contract?
The Pinsent Masons training contract in the UK is a comprehensive program designed to provide trainees with a robust introduction to the legal profession. The tailored program offers:
- A balanced induction with online introductions and second-week jurisdiction-specific training combined with social events to foster professional development and networking.
- A two-year duration with seat rotations every six months for broad exposure to different legal areas, with the possibility of inter-office relocation within the UK to enhance the learning experience.
- Ongoing support from the Graduate Development Team, personal and professional guidance throughout the contract.
- Potential secondments with client organizations during the second year, allowing trainees to work with clients like AXA, Heathrow Airport, and Royal London.
- Competitive salaries reviewed annually, with specific rates detailed for the English and London regions for both trainees and upon qualification.
- Law school sponsorship covering postgraduate legal education tuition fees and maintenance grants, in partnership with the University of Law.
- An average of 68 training contracts offered annually across the UK, adjusted according to business needs.
Pinsent Masons Training Contract Requirements
To pursue a training contract with Pinsent Masons, candidates should consider the following requirements:
- Applicants should possess at least 120 UCAS points from their best three A-levels or equivalent and a 2.1 degree, with room for mitigating circumstances to be considered.
- Pinsent Masons is committed to recruiting the best people irrespective of background, evidenced by their willingness to pay for postgraduate legal education tuition fees and provide a competitive maintenance grant.
- The firm encourages applications from individuals with a desire to pursue a legal career with an international, professional services firm with law at its core.
- Potential applicants can gain valuable experience and insight into the legal profession by working as paralegals within the firm’s Paralegal Centre of Excellence before applying for a training contract.
What is the Pinsent Masons Vacation Scheme
The Pinsent Masons vacation scheme is an immersive program designed to give participants a realistic glimpse into the life of a trainee solicitor. It is available across various locations including Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and internationally in places like Hong Kong and the Middle East. The scheme provides the opportunity to work on live client projects, take part in work-based learning, skills training, and personal development sessions. It aims to familiarize participants with the firm’s culture and values, offer practical experience, and introduce them to the firm’s professional services environment.
Pinsent Masons values the contribution of placement students and provides a competitive salary. For instance, the 2023 in-house placement paid £450 per week in London and £400 per week in English regional offices. Find out all about vacation scheme deadlines in our detailed calendar.
Summer Vacation Scheme at Pinsent Masons
The summer vacation scheme at Pinsent Masons is a key component for students to get a comprehensive understanding of the firm and a career as a trainee solicitor. The program is:
- A practical introduction to the firm, offering insight into its culture and values.
- Available across multiple UK cities, providing the chance to work on actual client projects, coupled with work-based learning and personal development opportunities.
- Designed to simulate the trainee solicitor experience, giving participants a realistic view of life at Pinsent Masons.
- An opportunity to become an integrated member of the team, learning and developing professional skills in a real-world setting.
- An avenue for gaining substantial legal experience and personal growth within a professional environment.
The scheme is also available in international locations, such as the Middle East, where it offers legal work experience and serves as an introduction to the firm.
What You Will Do at Pinsent Masons Vacation Scheme
Participants in the Pinsent Masons vacation scheme will engage in a variety of activities designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of life as a trainee solicitor and the workings of the firm:
- Working on live client projects, which allows for practical, hands-on legal experience.
- Participating in work-based learning and skill training sessions to enhance both technical legal skills and professional development.
- Integrating into the Pinsent Masons team to learn and develop through real responsibility and involvement in the firm’s activities.
- Gaining insight into the firm’s culture, people, and various opportunities, experiencing the energy and dynamism of the teams.
- Building legal experience and developing both professionally and personally, particularly for those interested in a career in the Middle East, with tailored placements offering a foundational understanding of the firm’s operations.
Application Process for Training Contract and Vacation Scheme at Pinsent Masons
Pinsent Masons’ recruitment process is structured to inform applicants of the outcome within four months of the training contract application deadline. The process comprises:
- Application Form: Candidates provide personal, academic, and employment history details.
- Online Blended Assessment: This includes situational judgment tests, case studies, and a short video interview. Learn more about the Watson Glaser Test.
- Assessment Centre: Successful online assessment candidates attend an in-person assessment day, consisting of a one-on-one interview, a business simulation, and a case study.
- Review and Offer: Post-assessment, candidates are promptly informed of the outcome. Successful applicants receive a training contract offer and are guided through the next steps.
In our detailed guides, you can become familiar with how to answer why this law firm and why study law interview and application questions.
Why You Should Apply to Pinsent Masons?
Applying to Pinsent Masons offers a multitude of benefits, making it a compelling choice for those seeking training contracts or vacation schemes. Here’s why you should consider applying:
- Global Recognition: Pinsent Masons is a multinational law firm highly regarded for its expertise, achieving more tier 1 rankings in The Legal 500 UK guide than any other firm and receiving accolades for innovation from the Financial Times. This level of recognition suggests that trainees and vacation scheme participants will be part of a firm that is respected and influential on a global scale.
- Inclusive and Diverse Culture: The firm’s culture is one of its cornerstones, evident through the fact that many employees who leave the firm choose to return. This reflects a work environment that values diversity and inclusion, where individuals feel comfortable being themselves, including openly LGBT+ and neurodiverse individuals. Participation in networks such as the LGBT+ allies’ network and the neurodiversity network is encouraged, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to a diverse workforce.
- Work-Life Balance and Flexibility: Pinsent Masons offers flexible working arrangements through its Vario Flexible Services, allowing lawyers to control when and how they work without compromising the quality of work. This flexibility was particularly valuable during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating the firm’s understanding of the need for work-life balance.
- Purpose-Led Organisation: The firm has undergone a transformation to become a purpose-led organisation, focusing on making business work better for society and the planet. It’s a place where profit and purpose coexist, providing a more rewarding work experience. Employees are involved in significant initiatives such as decarbonisation and renewable energy, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to meaningful and impactful work.
- Realizing Values and Commitments: Pinsent Masons doesn’t just talk about values; it actively implements them. The firm has worked with programs like WorkFit from the Down’s Syndrome Association, which aligns with its inclusive values. By making changes to accommodate neurodivergent individuals and those with learning disabilities, Pinsent Masons is actively working to diversify its workforce and create an environment where everyone is supported and can thrive.
History of Pinsent Masons
The history of Pinsent Masons can be traced back to 1769, evidencing a rich heritage that has contributed to its status as a leading global law firm. The current firm is a result of several mergers, bringing together notable firms such as Pinsent & Co, Masons, Simpson Curtis, Biddle & Co, L’Estrange & Brett, and McGrigors. Notably, alumni of these legacy firms include prominent figures such as former British Chancellor Alistair Darling.
In recent years, Pinsent Masons has significantly expanded its international presence, establishing offices in major cities across the globe, including Beijing, Singapore, Paris, Munich, Brussels, Sydney, Melbourne, Düsseldorf, Johannesburg, Madrid, Dublin, Perth, and Frankfurt. This international growth reflects the firm’s commitment to serving clients worldwide and adapting to the global marketplace. The firm’s leadership, including Senior Partner Andrew Masraf and Managing Partner John Cleland, continues to steer the firm’s strategic vision, which includes the appointment of high-profile advisors and board members to guide its development.
What Makes Pinsent Masons Stand Out
Pinsent Masons stands out as a law firm due to several distinct qualities that differentiate it from its peers:
- Approachable: The firm counters the stereotype of endless hours in the office by promoting work-from-home policies and flexibility in work location without judgment, fostering a supportive culture. They offer various wellbeing and social activities, emphasizing the importance of a balanced work environment.
- Bold: Recognized as one of Europe’s most innovative law firms, Pinsent Masons encourages all employees to submit and develop innovative ideas. This inclusive approach to innovation ensures that good ideas are recognized and possibly implemented firm-wide, regardless of the employee’s rank.
- Connected: The firm values strong connections with clients by providing diverse, cross-sector relationship teams and employing SmartDelivery to tailor their suite of services. Their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is also genuine, engaging in regular community service rather than treating it as a mere formality.
These attributes, combined with their global reach and commitment to inclusivity and flexibility in the workplace, make Pinsent Masons a unique place to pursue a legal career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions regarding the Pinsent Masons training contract and vacation scheme:
How much do Pinsent Masons trainees get paid in London?
trainee solicitors at Pinsent Masons in the London region earn £45,000 in the 1st year and £49,500 in the 2nd year, with the salary increasing to £92,000 upon qualification. Check out our guide on solicitor salaries in the UK.
What is the retention rate for Pinsent Masons trainees?
Pinsent Masons has a strong retention rate for its trainees, with figures showing an 80% retention rate. In recent years, the firm has reported retention results as high as 88%, with one of their best figures being 87.5%.
Is Pinsent Masons prestigious?
Pinsent Masons is indeed prestigious, recognized globally for its specializations in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, financial services, real estate, and technology. The firm ranks among the top hundred law firms in the world by turnover. Although it is not a magic circle law firm, it has been named ‘Law Firm of the Year’ multiple times by respected industry magazines and was also titled ‘The Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe’ by the Financial Times in 2020 and 2015.
Is Pinsent Masons a good firm to work for?
Based on the accolades received and the initiatives for employee wellbeing and innovation, Pinsent Masons is considered a good firm to work for. The firm is known for its approachability, boldness in innovation, and strong connections with clients and the community.
How much does a partner at Pinsent Masons earn?
The salary for a partner at Pinsent Masons can vary widely. According to data from Glassdoor, partner salaries at the firm can range from approximately £48,294 to £1,289,560 per year, with an average base pay that could be around £50,000 to £1,240,344 per year. Additionally, it’s reported that partners at Pinsent Masons have earned more than £700,000 as a result of rising fee income, with a recent increase in their share of profits to £739,000, which is up from £636,000 the previous year.
