Strong 2.1 grade predicted or attained in your undergraduate degree.
Vacation placements - Hong Kong
Applications are open. Please apply before 31st October 2024 11.59pm HKT Time.
An exciting opportunity to find out more about life at Pinsent Masons
We design, structure and develop the placement programme to give you an experience which is practical and authentically reflects the Trainee Solicitor experience.
Our vacation placement
Our 2-week Winter placement operates from January to March and our 3-week Summer placement operates from June to August. You will need to be fully available during this time if you wish to be participate in the placement.
Working alongside Trainees and qualified Solicitors on real client projects, you’ll enjoy work-based learning, skills training and presentations.
The value of a placement
For many people, a Vacation Placement presents the first opportunity to work in a professional organisation and environment. We make sure that first step is an easy one with a day one induction and our buddy system. You’ll be welcomed to the Firm and encouraged to make the most of every opportunity.
You’ll experience first-hand what it’s like to be part of a team and get the chance to make a great first impression. You’ll also get the opportunity to develop transferable professional skills, building your confidence along the way. It’s also a great opportunity to get a feel for the social scene, make friends and start building a useful network of contacts for the rest of your career.
Structure and dates
You’ll gain full exposure to a few practice areas, allowing you to form strong team relationships getting really involved with their work and gaining relevant experience while enjoying an unexpected level of responsibility. You’ll also have the chance to complete assessments for a Training Contract, attend onsite training and events and get involved in social activities.
Dates
Winter: January to March
Summer: June to August
Benefits
We believe placements should be paid as, while you are with us, you will be making a valuable contribution to our business. We also recognise that undertaking placements can mean incurring costs for travel and accommodation, and you will be required to organise that yourself. That is why we pay our Vacation Placement students a competitive rate of pay while at the firm.
Vacation Placement students were paid HKD 2,500 per week last year. Salaries are reviewed annually.
How to apply
Every year we accept applications for Vacation Placements during Summer and Winter.
Please submit the following documents via applying online before 11:59pm on 31st October 2024:
1. Cover letter indicating your preferred area of practice, interested year of Training Contract & your availability for the Vacation Placement
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Current degree transcripts
4. Academic transcripts at HKDSE / HKCEE (or equivalent)
5. Any other supporting documentation you consider relevant
All applications are screened to a pre-defined framework and shortlisted candidates who best demonstrate that they meet our criteria will be contacted and invited to attend an interview.
Entry requirements
If you don’t meet the above criteria but there are mitigating circumstances that explain why you’ve failed to meet the minimum academic requirements, there’s an opportunity for you to include this information in your application.
Vacation placement to training contract
If you gain a placement, it’s because we already see you as a potential Trainee. And during the time you spend with us, we’ll do our best to give you every chance to prove us right. That’s why Vacation Placement students don’t need to make a separate application for our Training Contract programme. In our eyes you’re already in the running. During your placement we’ll provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence. We’ll gather feedback from your practice group which, together with the results of your assessments, will help us determine the outcome of your application. It's your first opportunity to take the law into your own hands. Make the most of it!
What we're looking for
A focus on detail
With a conscientious approach, you’ll have the ability to read and absorb large amounts of reference material and spot errors quickly. You’ll be a stickler for detail when it comes to your own writing too, ensuring it’s always clear and accurate.
An interest in business
We’re a commercial law firm, so you’ll have a genuine interest in how business works. That means keeping up-to-date with the latest business issues, as well as appreciating how legal expertise can support and steer commercial organisations.
Intellectual capability
You’ve the intellectual curiosity to explore new approaches and ask others’ opinions. With an analytical approach, you think things through and weigh up the implications, but also have the capacity to think on your feet to find solutions.
Openness
You’ll be approachable, outgoing and confident engaging with people from different backgrounds and experiences to your own. Whether you’re communicating with colleagues or clients, you’ll understand the need to adapt your message to suit your audience.
Personal drive
You’ll need to combine a real desire to be the best with the energy, ambition and enthusiasm to go the extra mile to succeed. With a can-do attitude, you’re always open to learning from your experience, so you can be even better next time.
Personal responsibility
You understand that taking responsibility for your successes and acknowledging when things go wrong will help you to constantly improve and achieve your career aims. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you give others confidence in your abilities.
Positive impact
With the self-assurance to voice your own opinions and defend your point of view when you need to, you’ll be a convincing and persuasive communicator. But you’ll also have the self-awareness to ask for help when you need it.
Self-organisation
You understand priorities and monitor your progress towards set objectives. By being well-organised and planning and managing your work efficiently, you make sure you always deliver quality work on time.
Our recruitment process
We’ve designed our application process to ensure you’ll know the outcome in no more than four months after the application deadline. The below shows a typical recruitment and selection process. You’ll be given full details of the process in relation to your own recruitment as appropriate.
Some frequently asked questions
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Do I have to apply for a Training Contract as well as a Vacation Placement?
If we offer you a Vacation Placement programme, we’ll automatically consider you for a Training Contract at the firm and your placement will include Training Contract assessments. If you don’t gain a Vacation Placement, the chance of getting our Training Contract will unfortunately be reduced.
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How long does the Vacation Placement last?
Our Hong Kong office has few intakes of Vacation Placement students throughout the Winter and Summer. Our Winter Vacation Placement is 2 weeks long and our Summer Vacation Placement is 3 weeks long.
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Is the Vacation Placement programme paid?
Yes, Vacation Placement students were paid HKD 2,500 per week last year. Salaries are reviewed annually.
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Can I take a Vacation Placement in my first year at university?
You may apply for our Vacation Placement if you are a law student from first year or above.