2025
Our application form allows you to provide up to 5 of your most relevant experiences. This can be anything you've done, such as employment, work experience, placement, volunteering, sports activities, positions of responsibility etc. (no word limit)
Dentons ([redacted] office), Summer Intern, August 2024
I spent two weeks in the Corporate, Energy and TMT departments of Dentons’ [redacted] office.
Working with an English law-qualified partner on a multimillion-euro equity investment transaction allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of a lawyer’s role in a Series A Financing process. I analysed the Vendor (Company) Due Diligence Report and prepared an Excel summary of the key issues to raise with the client. When reviewing the Shareholders’ Agreement against the Term Sheet, I adopted a detail-oriented approach to identify discrepancies.
As a client had inquired about the requirements for implementing a small modular reactor (SMR) plant in [redacted], I summarised the regulatory framework for nuclear energy with a focus on SMRs and critically analysed relevant pending legislative amendments.
I also researched the trade licences and legal requirements for a client’s intended business activities in [redacted]. Additionally, the client had received a notice from the Trade Licencing Office about a mandatory trade licence which was missing. I reached out to associates to discuss the intricacies of the [redacted] legal system and used this knowledge to draft a convincing response. I also enjoyed examining a client’s Annual Report and drafting in [redacted] and English the Sole Shareholder Resolution to approve the company’s financial statements.
I leveraged my language skills when translating four Schedules of an ERP Master Services Agreement from English to [redacted]. As the translated defined terms had already been included in the Agreement, I was careful to use the same terms in the Schedules to ensure consistency.
[redacted – small local law firm], Summer Intern, June – July 2024
I completed a one-month internship at a local law firm that specialises in [redacted] and French law and that advises private and international corporate clients.
I took notes during client meetings regarding an unfair dismissal case and subsequently analysed the evidence, drafted a witness statement and refined the statement of case. In the context of a custody dispute, I considered various interpretations of the facts and adopted a strategic approach to suggest effective ways to discredit the other party’s claims based on the available evidence.
To respond to a buyer’s due diligence request in a cross-border real estate transaction, I gathered extracts from the French and Luxembourgian registers of companies and registers of beneficial ownership and translated them from French to [redacted]. Additionally, drafting the timeline of an M&A transaction provided me with a valuable overview of a transaction’s flow.
I enjoyed utilising my attention to detail to review contracts. For example, I revised employment termination agreements and translated them from [redacted] to English. When examining a contract for the installation and operation of a sophisticated fire alarm system at a client’s commercial property, I flagged potential onerous terms and highlighted any unusual obligations imposed on the client, given that the contract was drafted by the other party.
I also developed an interest in legal technology when assisting the firm with its implementation of ‘SingleCase’, an advanced document management system. I carefully reviewed over 20 binders of archived legal documents and determined which materials should be discarded and which should be saved digitally on SingleCase to facilitate future archival research.
Office of the Government of [redacted], Summer Intern, June 2023
Through my one-month internship in the Section for European Affairs of the [redacted] Government, I deepened my understanding of the context in which businesses operate, especially in relation to evolving EU policies.
I prepared two summaries of Parliament meetings and four detailed meeting minutes. For example, I attended a gathering where ministerial representatives and social partners including the [redacted] Confederation of Industry discussed policy priorities ahead of the European Council. The Confederation’s representative highlighted the significance of the EU-Mercosur Agreement for businesses, namely the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the practical effects of EU-UK tariff rules for electric vehicles and electric vehicle batteries. When taking notes during a meeting with officials from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, I was particularly interested in their discussion about energy diversification through concrete projects such as German LNG terminals and hydrogen power plants.
Moreover, I effectively digested large amounts of information. I condensed a 20-page European Commission communication on a new agenda for EU-Latin America relations into a one-page summary while maintaining key details. After analysing documents from the [redacted]’s Permanent Representation to the EU, I summarised the progress made in the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement as of mid-June 2023.
I also translated from [redacted] to English the Prime Minister’s cue cards for his European Council speech. I was drawn to topics related to the war in Ukraine such as EU sanctions against Russia, particularly due to their impact on businesses.
La Cimade, Intern, September 2022 – May 2023
I attended training sessions on French immigration law led by an employee from the [redacted] branch of La Cimade, a French non-governmental organisation. I applied this knowledge monthly during three-hour sessions to provide guidance to individuals with residence permit or asylum issues. I collaborated with an experienced volunteer to analyse each person’s situation. Through active listening, I fostered a non-hierarchical environment. I also maintained open and honest conversations about their options, highlighting the risks and chances of success. Using non-technical language, I outlined the recommended next steps.
My advice considered the law’s gaps and flexibility and was informed by my understanding of its interpretation in the [redacted] region. Additionally, my grasp of the political landscape and policy priorities enabled me to advise individuals on pre-emptive steps and on the potential impact of pending legislation. For example, many wanted to know how they might benefit from provisions regarding the regularisation of foreign workers in industries with recruitment difficulties. I addressed possible caveats including the fact that the list of eligible occupations could vary by region.
I also taught weekly French lessons to two Iranian students. I created personalised lesson plans, which I continuously adjusted based on their interests and needs. This experience developed my ability to connect with individuals from very different backgrounds as well as my creativity. I found ways to improve both their language skills and their understanding of French culture, for example by holding lessons in typical French cafés or during city tours.
Self-employed, Interpreter and Translator, February 2022 – present
Given my knowledge of nine languages ([list of languages – redacted]), I have been interpreting for my family in various contexts since the age of ten. I gained my first formal experience as a consecutive interpreter in February 2022 at the international film festival and competition ‘Filmer le travail’. During a 1.5-hour roundtable discussion on ‘Why and how to film work?’ with five filmmakers, I provided French to Portuguese and Portuguese to French translation for filmmaker [redacted]. Moreover, following the screening of her documentary film, I acted as the interpreter (French-Portuguese and French-English) during the 50-minute Q&A session with the audience. I received overwhelmingly positive feedback about my communication and interpretation skills.
I have also worked with the National Organised Crime Agency of [redacted]. I translated confidential documentation from [redacted] to [redacted] and interpreted ([redacted]) during meetings with their foreign partners, namely [redacted]. Being called in on short notice without detailed briefings due to confidentiality, I learnt to think on my feet and communicate complex ideas effectively when faced with unfamiliar topics and technical terms. Furthermore, in informal settings such as dinners, I leveraged my cultural awareness to foster trust and relationship building between the parties. For example, translating jokes and specific cultural references required a thorough understanding of each country’s mannerisms.
2025
What are your main spare time interests? (Max 4000 characters including spaces)
My main spare time interests consist of lacrosse, university politics and volunteering. My passion for these interests is made clear through holding leadership positions in all of the above. I have played lacrosse for over fifteen years. I also officiated for twelve years and was named Referee of the Year in 2008 and 2013 by the BCLA. Elected as Vice- Captain of the University of Warwick Men's Lacrosse Team, I led my team to a Midlands 1A Championship and the University's first British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Trophy. While I was named Top-Scorer in both competitions, and Player of the Match in the BUCS Final, my greatest source of pride lies in my role as Vice-Captain.
My success within this role lies in my communication and organisational skills. I organise and lead training sessions for our team focused on technical and athletic development. I also lead introductory sessions on the weekends in an effort to grow the sport in the West Midlands. A typical week as Vice-Captain will consist of me spending a few hours structuring training plans for both my team and new participants at the introductory level. This requires reviewing my notes concerning areas of improvement from previous weeks sessions. Documenting progress allows me to gauge how effective the sessions are for all participants, and how I can improve upon them. Once I have put a plan in place, and training begins, it is important that I ensure all players are clear on what we aim to accomplish in a given session. I find that being transparent about what we intend to accomplish and why, offers transparency that is appreciated by the players and provides them with the opportunity to hone particular facets of their game in an otherwise technical sport. I get excited seeing weekly progress from both my teammates and introductory level players and am thankful I am in a position in which I can offer my extensive knowledge of lacrosse to those wishing to improve theirs.
Aside from lacrosse, I am also proud to have been elected three times as the student representative for my cohorts once at McGill University and twice at Warwick Law School.
Fighting for students' interests on student-staff committees is deeply rewarding and requires many of the qualities I display as a leader in lacrosse. Representing the academic interests of my cohort, I act on feedback from students, gathered in-person and through social media platforms, and collaborate with the university to improve overall academic experience. Most recently I voiced students' concerns on the renovation of Warwick Law School facilities. The end result of the project will be crucial to the law student experience, so it was particularly important that I be a fierce advocate for students at all meetings. After narrowing down the most pertinent matters and debating them with the Board, I was thrilled to report back to my cohort their concerns were heard and all recommendations I put forth will be implemented.
I also have quality volunteering experience, most notably in Tanzania at an orphanage and primary school. For three weeks I assisted students with schoolwork, leading English lessons. Additionally, I led a group in producing a video encouraging people to volunteer. This was a challenging project to manage in rural Tanzania, but we completed the video with the resources available and marketed this volunteering experience for the benefit of the orphanage. This experience has proven useful in my current role for the Warwick Pro Bono Groups Commercial Law and Technology project. I create videos and resources that explain key legal issues to start-ups and entrepreneurs. Aside from honing my IT skills, it has been an enlightening experience researching issues that I will likely come across as a commercial solicitor. While success as a leader is rewarding, my passion for these interests is a requisite for my accomplishments.
Describe your greatest non-academic achievement of the last two years and why this achievement is important to you. (Max 4000 characters including spaces)
I consider my first year in a high-level sales position with [redacted company], a consumer protection firm, my greatest non-academic achievement of the last two years. The company specialised in exiting timeshare owners from their onerous contracts. The position as a Regional Consultant required a high degree of entrepreneurial spirit and resiliency. My compensation was entirely based on commission from sales, so I had to ensure I produced in order to survive in this new role. I also had to move to a new city, Calgary, and spearhead sales in mid-western Canada. With little sales experience, no connections in this particular market, and the goal of becoming a commercial solicitor, I was determined to prove to myself and my employer that I can succeed in complex and unfamiliar business settings.
I was promoted to this position after impressing in my preceding role as an Account Coordinator. In this position, I guided nearly 1000 clients through the legal process of exiting their timeshares, which required answering clients questions, providing status updates, and processing legal documentation such as deeds, non-disclosure agreements and finance agreements. Upon being promoted as a Regional Consultant, I was responsible for finding and following up on sales leads, educating clients on any risk that their particular contract entailed, and convincing them of our strategy to relieve them of any contractual obligations, a quite different role with greater responsibility. This work was completely self- directed as I was solely responsible for managing sales in our Calgary office and the surrounding region.
There was quite a steep learning curve that I had to overcome. Aside from becoming familiar with timeshare contracts and understanding how timeshare companies operated as businesses, I also had to quickly hone my sales skills in order to make rent in my first few months in Calgary. I engrossed myself in books, videos and articles on how to be an effective salesperson. I also cold-called real estate offices and attended trade shows across the region in an effort to connect with target markets and attain name recognition. This drive quickly began paying dividends in the form of increasing sales figures month after month.
The thrill of completing a sale and proving to myself that I can be an effective salesperson energised me throughout the year. I relied heavily on my social skills to form relationships of trust with clients resulting in direct sales and referrals. As the youngest Regional Consultant nationally, I accounted for the equivalent of nearly £300k in regional sales. This was the third highest among Regional Consultants in Canada, which was an exceptional achievement for someone of my age and experience. My success provided confirmation that with determination, humility and a willingness to learn, I can succeed in complex business environments. In turn, this pushed me further towards pursuing a career in the legal profession.
Please explain why you have decided to pursue a career in commercial law. (Max 4000 characters including spaces)
The summer I spent as a legal assistant at [redacted company], a commercial law firm in Vancouver, led me to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor. Whilst working alongside partners, I was particularly attracted to the role of a commercial solicitor as someone who acquires an expertise in clients, their industries, and the economy in order to anticipate issues facing their clients and address them accordingly.
I learned firsthand the importance of this when I was tasked with completing an industry report for a partner in anticipation for a client-relationship meeting. The focus of the report was to assess the political and economic tides of British Columbia's hydro-electric industry, including the likelihood of a major dam project being approved by the provincial government that would directly affect the clients business. I scheduled and conducted interviews with government officials, academics and other industry players, which provided me with excellent insight which I included in my report and relayed to the partner. I developed a sound understanding of the industry through my research and put forth a quality-sourced report that afforded the partner and client a clearer outlook on the steps ahead.
Being commended for my work was satisfying, but it was seeing the direction the client took in light of this report that was most exciting. The client not only protected itself against the economic ramifications of this project which I correctly predicted would be approved but also pursued opportunities that I highlighted as stemming directly and indirectly from the presence of the dam in the region. I learned that I enjoy assisting businesses in achieving a competitive edge. Witnessing my work pay dividends for this particular client is something that continues to motivate me in my pursuit of a career in commercial law.
As a life-long competitor in sports, I also naturally find myself drawn to the competition in commerce and the continuous drive to achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Preparation and strategic thinking are equally important to an athlete as they are to a commercial lawyer running a business and serving clients. Having won multiple championships in both Canada and the UK as an athlete, I know what it takes to be successful. As Vice-Captain of The University of Warwick Men's Lacrosse Team, this year's BUCS Champions, part of my role is to identify and address these same points as it relates to my teammates and the opposition.
For instance, myself and our Captain spend a great deal of time trying to find information on our opponents in anticipation for matches. Through contacts with players on other teams, referees and occasionally travelling to other matches to scout opponents we try to determine the weaknesses of other teams. Our recipe for success has always been to maximise our strengths and exploit qualities of our opponents where they are weak. This also requires us being honest about our own weaknesses and addressing them repetitively in training in order to ensure we are ready for all kinds of situations and opponents. This preparation and foresight is not dissimilar to the role of a commercial solicitor acting for his or her clients. Therefore, I believe that I am naturally attuned to a career in commercial law and look forward to putting my experiences into practice as a commercial solicitor.
Please explain why you are applying to Pinsent Masons. (Max 4000 characters including spaces)
I want to train as a solicitor at Pinsent Masons because of their ability to foresee and adapt to an everchanging legal market - my recent work placement this summer at Pinsent Masons confirmed this resolve. I believe that training at Pinsent Masons provides me with the best opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and carve out a place among the next generation of future-oriented solicitors.
Pinsent Masons has kept in lockstep with its clients through innovative ways to address their needs. In sitting down with the group of us selected for the work placement, Warwick Head, Greg Lowson, responded to my question as to how Pinsent Masons has met clients needs through innovation. He stated that freelance lawyer service, Vario, the development of legal solutions platform, SmartDelivery, and Pinsent Masons recent partnership with KLDiscovery to adapt ediscovery tools to subject access requests, are all examples of innovatively addressing the demand from particular clients without overextending. My supervisor, SmartDelivery Manager, Andrew Kane, also explained that this affords flexibility to focus on its core clients and sectors, whilst exploring areas of opportunity such as AI. These unconventional strategies are why Pinsent Masons is among Europe's most innovative firms.
During my work placement, I also learned first-hand the technological emphasis Pinsent Masons puts into the delivery of its legal services. Working under Andrew Kane in the Employment and Transactional Services sector brought light to understanding how the firm develops its technological tools and implements them. For instance, I was fortunate enough to test an innovative online platform for major client, Mitie Group PLC, that quickly and effectively profiled, catalogued and addressed the steps involved in employment claims. This involved inputting data into the matter management software, building profiles of claims, claimants, representatives and stakeholders, and setting online tasks that would send information to the relevant parties. I concluded this testing by summarising my user-experience with this legal tool and sent this off to Andrew to evaluate. The firm's receptiveness to feedback and the obvious importance of rolling-out this tool correctly, exemplified Pinsent Masons commitment to looking past what a traditional law firm is capable of doing for its client and being bold in doing so.
Whilst my focus is on entering the present legal market, I am also conscious of what work will be relevant in the future, and therefore my interest in Pinsent Masons is influenced by this. Pinsent Masons has a reputation for delivering on complex, innovative projects. This is evidenced by, for example, its advisory role to the Peterborough City Council in achieving its aim of becoming the UKs Environment Capital, or advising on a first-in-kind private equity and public sector investment into the £1 billion housing development at Winchburgh in Scotland. This allows Pinsent Masons to position itself for future success, and it is this distinct sustainability combined with a progressive outlook on the delivery of legal services that leads me to believe that training at Pinsent Masons is the best opportunity to begin and develop my career. As Senior Partner, Richard Foley, states, “Our clients don't have legal issues, they have commercial needs. What the best lawyers do is respond to those needs with a mix of imagination and pragmatism.” I back this statement whole-heartedly and hope to partake in carrying Pinsent Masons vision forward.
2024
For the Pinsent Masons vacation scheme, there was no application form. Instead, there was a blended assessment, plus video interview questions and a written case study.
Blended assessment
This consisted of situational judgement questions, mathematical questions and questions were I was presented with an email and had to choose one out of the four options that I thought was the best reply. The maths questions were simple percentage questions.
Video interview questions
The video interview consisted of two questions. I had two minutes to prepare for each question and two minutes to answer each question. There was no option to re-record answers. In particular, I was asked:
1. Why Pinsent Masons?
2. A senior associate has told you that you are drafting a document and your quality and attention to detail is not good, but has not provided further feedback. Please explain:
Case Study
The case study was a written exercise, with no time limit. The task was to help a client choose a new property for a restaurant in the UAE. Information was given surrounding the laws in the UAE and four prospective properties, each of which was in a different location and cost a different amount to the others. I then had to review the information and think about what the client might need to know before buying a property in the UAE.
In my written submission, I had to cover:
January 2023
Please explain why you have decided to pursue a career in commercial law and why you are applying to Pinsent Masons (Max 1500 characters including spaces)
As an avid debater, I enjoyed scrutinizing complex information and articulating arguments. Participating in debating and negotiation competitions while studying business management during IB sparked my interest in commercial law. At university, I’ve enjoyed studying modules like contemporary issues in law and business and the European business context, where I focused on the practical applications of law in the commercial world. I also attended several open days with law firms like; Shearman & Sterling, Davis Polk and Linklaters. Learning how solicitors play an indispensable role in clients’ business activities motivated me to pursue a career in commercial law.
I am applying to Pinsent Masons as I find its excellent focus on financial services appealing. With a Chambers Band 1 ranking, the firm recently advised FTSE 100 company DCC plc on an £800 million sustainability-linked loan. My interest in this field stems from my work placement with Fieldfisher, where I sat through the negotiations of a sustainability-linked interest rate facility for financing an M&A deal. My interest in working on such sector-focused transactions motivates me to apply to the firm.
The firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, with 62% and 48% female representation at the associate and partner levels, inspires me. As a woman of colour, I worked for a club aimed at empowering women in the corporate world. And I am interested in working in a culture like that at Pinsent Masons, which is genuinely inclusive.
What are the things that have shaped you into the person you are today? (Max 1500 characters including spaces).
I regularly engage in volunteer work. This summer, while surveying a local orphanage, I came across the poor living conditions of young orphaned children due to a shortage of sanitary supplies. I initiated a donation drive to tackle this issue. I set up collection stalls at 3 locations where locals could donate sanitary supplies. As a result, I provided 100 young children with yearlong sanitary supplies. I also established a mandate in the club to conduct regular donation drives to support local orphanages. I brought about a real change by uplifting the living conditions of underprivileged children. This was a rewarding experience for me.
Subsequently, I’ve been volunteering at the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre. I interview clients to corroborate case details and draft succinct advice letters outlining the client’s legal rights. Recently, I worked on a ‘revenge porn’ case. I helped my client learn about her rights as a victim of harassment, as her private images were shared by the perpetrator online. I collaborated with a practising solicitor to draft the letter and worked under pressure to ensure that my client received the advice letter within the 7-day deadline.
These experiences deeply impacted me. I was committed to delivering to the best of my capabilities to make an impact. In addition, it taught me to be resilient and take complete responsibility for my work, shaping me into the diligent and empathetic person I am today.
What are your main spare time interests? (Max 1500 characters including spaces)
I have a keen interest in debating and negotiation. Recently, I won the Hogan Lovells Commercial Negotiation Competition. I vastly improved my commercial awareness, as the negotiations were based upon business news stories, and a strong understanding of these was necessary to succeed. I dealt with various topics, from ESG-related greenwashing concerns to human rights violations in the Qatar World Cup. I was commended by the judges for my problem-solving and commercial insights that aided me in getting the best deal for my client. Having never met my partner before the competition, we had to quickly form a working relationship, divide tasks and support each other in the negotiation, demonstrating strong teamwork and adaptability.
Another spare time interest of mine is to dance. I first started dancing when I was 9 years old. I trained in Kathak, a form of Indian classical dance, for several years. After that, I went on to do stage performances in both Indian classical and western dance forms. I continued to pursue this passion at university too. I am an active member of the Bollywood dance society. I participate in the society’s weekly sessions and collaborate with other members to choreograph dances. Despite several setbacks like injuries, I have been committed to dance and improved with practice over the years. Dance has taught me the importance of resilience, an essential life skill.