Gaining work experience at Harrison Drury

Kate Aspinall, operations administrator at Harrison Drury, gives an insight into our work experience programme and shares feedback from some of our recent students.

Over the summer of 2018 Harrison Drury was able to offer 18 work experience placements to students across Lancashire and Cumbria, taking on those who were in their final years at high school, right through to university students and post graduates.

The in-house HR team works closely to facilitate students and, where possible, we aim to provide students with as much variety and exposure to different departments while they are here with us.

This summer, the types of opportunities we have offered to students included:

• A six-week placement working with our commercial litigation team to prepare court bundles for trial.
• The opportunity to travel to Birmingham with our commercial litigation team to attend a three-day hearing.
• Advice on CV writing and how to improve your chances of obtaining a training contract at a law firm.
• The chance to conduct an initial client interview while supervised by one of our Senior Associates.

As a business, we understand the value of supporting the younger generation who are working their way through the education system, or are in the early stages of developing their legal careers.

We always ask our placements students to complete a feedback form at the end of their time with us, with the response being used to improve our work experience offering year on year.

This year just some of the feedback has included:

“I enjoyed the opportunity to work within a range of departments and one of the branch offices. The department I enjoyed the most was commercial property as it was challenging and broadened my knowledge further.”

Charlotte Kay, 3rd year Law student

“I had a wonderful experience and I am amazed how much I have learnt – incredibly friendly and supportive staff and an amazing firm with a real family, yet professional, feeling that really cares about its clients and staff.”

Fiona Hope, 2nd year Law student

“I have gained extensive knowledge on employment law. Additionally, through overhearing conversations and questioning staff, I have obtained practical knowledge on the work of solicitors which I did not possess previous to the placement. The environment and the staff were a joy to work in/with!”

Luke Holden, University student

We hope to build on this in 2019 and although we now only have limited spaces for next year, if you would like to be considered for a work experience placement then please contact our HR team who will be happy to accept requests, supported by CVs and a covering letter.