ADD ADVICE TO FAVRoshni, winter placement at Allen & Overy
Name: Roshni
Degree: BA International History, LSE (third year)
Duration of work experience: 10 days
Employer: Allen & Overy
Department: Corporate Trustee, International Capital Markets
1. What did you do to get this work-experience opportunity?
Initially I completed an online application form which had several questions including ‘Why Allen & Overy?’ which I think is one of the most important questions on the application form.
I was then invited to interview. There were two interviews, one about general commercial awareness and my application form, and another interview based on a case study.
2. What sort of projects did you work on?
Being a non-law student I expected to be given proofreading work during my placement but this was not the case. My trainer gave me things to do which she was working on at the time, for example amending a contract to match the clients’ requirements. I was also asked to create a document outlining the differences between several legal terms which could be referred to in case of future queries from clients.
We were also given a task in groups of four or five which was not assessed. In these groups we worked together to create a pitch to present to a client. This was a great way for us to get to know each other and sharpen our teamwork and public-speaking skills.
’I was dreading speaking in front of a large audience, but in the end I very much enjoyed giving the presentation.’
3. How much were you able to contribute?
People were very helpful and were happy to listen to suggestions. We were regularly asked if we were enjoying the work experience and gaining a true insight into the firm, which I believe I did.
4. What did you enjoy the most?
In hindsight, I would say I enjoyed the client-pitch exercise the most. This was a very good way of learning about Allen & Overy’s clients and the firm itself. At first I was dreading speaking in front of a large audience, but in the end I very much enjoyed giving the presentation.
5. What did you enjoy the least?
Overall I enjoyed my time at the firm. I cannot pick out anything specific which was not enjoyable. However, it would have been beneficial for the placement to be a little longer than ten days.
6. What is the most important thing you learned?
Prior to starting this work experience I did not really understand international capital markets. Having spent ten days in the Corporate Trustee Team, I am now familiar with the different aspects of capital markets and the way they interact.
’After spending time at the firm, I realised that there were a lot of different areas of the law that interested me.’
7. Has your choice of career changed as a result of your period of work experience?
At the start of my work experience I was slightly unsure as to whether commercial law was the right choice for me. However, after spending time at the firm, I realised that there were a lot of different areas of the law that Allen & Overy specialised in which were of interest to me. I was convinced that becoming a commercial solicitor was actually the right choice.
