Top Tips for Work Experience | Thursfields solicitors

Thursfields’ trainees have compiled a list of their top tips for anyone interested in understanding more about a legal career through work experience and ensure you make the best impression. You never know, it might just land you a job offer…

Be Curious

Some students may feel that questions will imply their knowledge is lacking and/or don’t want to bother their supervisor. However, questions will actually make a candidate appear engaged and eager to learn. No one is expecting you to know everything so don’t be afraid to ask.

Ask the right people for help when you need it

If you are set a task and don’t know where to start… don’t wait till the end of the day to ask for help or guidance. Speak up! Remember, often in law firms, the best people to ask to get things done are often the Receptionists and Support colleagues.

Use your initiative

I’m sure you’ve all heard that there’s no such thing as a stupid question, but exercise caution with this mantra! If you encounter a problem, use your own initiative first. You will most likely have access to a computer – the internet has a wealth of knowledge, and researching a problem before asking for help will demonstrate that you don’t need spoon feeding.

Show you are keen to learn

If you’ve finished the task set, see who else you can help or what else you can do. It can be tempting to scroll social media because you don’t want to disturb people, but it won’t make for the best impression. If you’re completely stuck for something to do, ask if you can read a file, there’s a lot you can pick up just from reading attendance notes etc.

Put your phone away

If you constantly check your phone, it makes you appear uninterested and rude. Instagram will still be there at lunch time, and it’s not appropriate to be on your personal phone during working hours.

Don’t Chew Gum

Seems obvious, but we’ve seen it, and it wasn’t a good look!

Fancy putting these tips into practice? Applications for Thursfields Work Placement Programme open 1st February, further information can be found here; https://thursfields.co.uk/thursfields-work-placement-programme/