About Pinsent Masons
Established in 1769, Pinsent Masons is a global professional services firm with law at its core. It has 26 offices across four continents, employing over 3000 people. It also has 430 partners across the world.
Pinsent Masons works across five strategic sectors : Financial Services, Energy, Infrastructure, Real Estate and Technology, Science and Industry.
It states its purpose as to, 'champion change, promote progress and enable everyone, to make business work better for people' [SIC]. It has three core values , expecting employees to be approachable, bold, and connected , to excel in their roles.
Its workplace culture is centred around creating a small firm feel, where colleagues and clients build relationships, respect, and trust. Pinsent Masons seeks to build diverse teams that can use their experience, background, and expertise to create unique solutions.
As well as employing lawyers, the firm also hires forensic accountants, tax experts, data specialists and project managers. This approach enables Pinsent Masons to support their clients across every aspect of their business.
Pinsent Masons Application Process
Whether you're applying for an apprenticeship, vacation placement, graduate training contract, or for a mid-level or senior professional position, you'll be required to go through a multi-stage recruitment process.
This includes an initial online application, psychometric testing, an assessment centre day (not required for experienced hires), and a partner interview.
The process is competitive but, with targeted preparation, you'll be able to convey why you are a strong choice for your chosen role. The first step is an awareness of the stages involved and the expectations at each.
Online Application
The first stage in the process is to complete and submit an online application. This involves filling in your personal details, educational background, interests, and work history.
You'll also be asked a few questions about your motivation for your chosen role, and for working at Pinsent Masons.
When asked to talk about your interests, be honest – the recruitment team wants to get a sense of who you are beyond your study and work experience.
Ensure your responses are clear and well structured (you'll also need to adhere to the word limit). Before submitting, double check your answers for any spelling or grammar mistakes. When working at a law firm, attention to detail is key – so make sure to display that you are detail-oriented from the outset.
Online Assessment
Once the deadline for online applications has passed, the submissions will be reviewed to see whether they meet the requirements. If you're successful in moving forwards in the process, you'll be sent a link to complete an online psychometric assessment.
Cognitive ability testing enables recruiters to make objective, data driven decisions about which candidates should proceed to the next stage. To be successful, you'll need to impress with a high score.
The tests included as part of the assessment will differ depending upon the role, but you may encounter a Watson Glaser critical reasoningtest, an abstract reasoningtest, and/or a numerical reasoningtest.
The tests will all be timed, so accuracy at speed is vital. All the answers will be multiple-choice.
The best way to prepare for ability assessments is to take practice papers to familiarise yourself with the format, structure, and content of the tests. They also allow you to identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus your practice accordingly.
Assessment Centre
The next stage of the recruitment process is an assessment centre day. This may be held in-person at a Pinsent Masons office or virtually, depending upon the circumstances.
The day includes a business simulation exercise , which also involves a review meeting with a senior associate. The task will be related to the business area to which you are applying. The exercise is held in groups, whilst the review discussion will be one-on-one.
It may also involve a SWOT presentation , related to a case study. You'll be given all the information and time to prepare, before presenting in front of the recruitment team and a group of your peers. Remember to speak clearly and confidently, and to ensure your body language is professional.
Pinsent Masons are looking for individuals who display the following qualities, so focus upon displaying these throughout:
A focus on detail – the ability to rapidly read and absorb written material, identify errors, and write clearly and accurately.
An interest in business - an up-to-date knowledge of the latest business developments and an understanding of how legal expertise can benefit and support commercial organisations.
Confidence – an ability to communicate convincingly and defend your point of view clearly, using evidence. This self-assurance should be paired with self-awareness, and a willingness to reach out for help when needed.
Intellectual capability – the possession of an analytical mind, that considers possibilities, listens to opinions, and weighs options - alongside the ability to improvise and adapt to come up with quick solutions to problems.
Openness – an approachable personality, confident in conversing and building working relationships with clients and colleagues from a range of different backgrounds. Sensitivity and empathy mean you understand how to communicate with your audience in mind.
Personal drive – to work with enthusiasm, ambition, and energy. Seeking to constantly learn from your experiences and interrogate how you can improve and strengthen your abilities.
Personal responsibility – a commitment to taking responsibility for both your successes and your failures. A drive to hone your strengths and improve your weaker areas, and the ability to give others confidence in your judgement.
Self-organisation – a logical mind able to prioritise and monitor progress towards objectives. Strong planning and management abilities that render work efficient and timely.
During the assessment day, you will also be given the chance to meet current employees (or trainees if you are applying for the graduate scheme). Make the most of the opportunity to find out what working at Pinsent Masons is really like, and whether it is the right fit for you.
Partner Interview
The final hurdle of the recruitment process is impressing during a behavioural interview with either a partner or senior associate. This may be part of the assessment centre or held on a separate occasion, depending upon the level of role for which you are applying.
Review the job description and the responses you submitted in your application before the interview, as you are likely to be asked questions that relate. Ensure you can clearly articulate why you want to work for Pinsent Masons, and why this role is right for you.
Remember to come with a few insightful questions to ask the interviewer, to display your curiosity and enthusiasm. If you've done a good amount of research into Pinsent Masons and their current work, you should be able to display your knowledge during the discussion and formulate some perceptive questions.
If the interview is being held virtually, find a quiet and comfortable location to take the video call. Dress smartly and be aware of your body language, as you'll want to come across as professional, confident, and at ease talking about your capabilities.
Offer
Regardless of the outcome, you'll hear from Pinsent Masons with the results of the assessment centre. If you impressed the hiring managers during the process and excelled in the core capabilities sought for the role, you'll receive an offer.
