Work Experience Blog – Lilly Grant
I have just completed theRollits summer work placement, which has been a thoroughlyenjoyable experience. Despite being nervous on my first day I wasinstantly made to feel welcome following an introductory sessionand a tour of the offices, where I was introduced to many of thefirm's employees who were all very friendly and welcoming. Theplacement was structured as a mini training contract where I wasgiven the opportunity to spend a number of days in each of thefirm's core departments, including dispute resolution,company and commercial and property. In each department I was givena number of tasks to complete ranging from conducting researchrelating to a piece of legislation to drafting a letter to aclient. I found the variety of the work very interesting and itprovided me with greater insight into the day to day work of asolicitor.
Alongside spending time ineach department, I was able to take part in a number of otheractivities including attending various talks on finance,administration and IT which I found very informative. I alsovisited the York office, where the other work experience studentsand I were given a marketing talk which developed my understandingof the importance of marketing within a law firm. Following this,in groups we participated in an exercise to consider possiblemarketing strategies to recruit future trainees. We were then alltreated to lunch which was delicious and gave me the opportunity tosocialise with a few of the employees outside of the office. Inaddition, along with the other work experience students, I wasasked to present a presentation at the end of the placement from alist of sample questions. I chose the topic of the legalmarketplace in relation to whether I thought the small high streetfirm was doomed. I enjoyed researching this topic as I learnt agreat deal. I was extremely anxious about giving my presentationhowever after presenting it, I felt pleased I had done it and feltit had increased my confidence in public speaking.
On a whole, the work placementat Rollits was a valuable and rewarding experience which providedme with a great insight into how a law firm operates. Furthermore,I would highly recommend students who are interested in pursuing acareer in law to apply for the placement.
Lilly Grant, 3rdyear Law and Criminology, University ofSheffield
This article is for general guidance only. It provides useful information in a concise form. Action should not be taken without obtaining specific legal advice.