Ratinoi

Why were you interested in completing an internship?

I was interested in completing an internship because I had only had experience working in law firms in my home country, Kenya, prior to this opportunity. I was keen to experience and acquaint myself with what working in an International Law firm would be like. I had already decided that I was going to qualify as a solicitor in the UK, having studied both a L.L.B and Master of Laws degree. This experience affirmed my choice to go on and study the LPC and continue on my path towards practising as a solicitor in the UK.

How did you learn about 10,000 Black Interns? Application Process?

I learnt about the 10,000 black interns programme from a friend who had taken part in the programme the previous year. The application process is quite straightforward, you fill in an application form with three sectors of interest and a letter of motivation for each sector (September - November the year prior to your internship). Interview and start dates vary; I interviewed for my role in March 2022 and completed my six-week legal internship between 4th July – 12th August the same year. It’s a great opportunity and I would advise anyone to go ahead and apply for it.

My experience at the firm:

I learned so much and gained valuable exposure during my two seats in the Corporate and Tax, Trusts and Successions (TT&S) teams. I was involved in a variety of tasks ranging from drafting ancillary documents, conducting research and recording minutes to writing creative article pieces on legal topics. I sat in on planning meetings between solicitors at the firm as well as attended networking events. I gained an insight into the general structure and way in which law firms operate such as how they raise money and what varying roles different employees play. I learned from hearing people’s career stories and different journeys into qualifying into being solicitors. The associates, trainees and partners were all so friendly, down to earth and approachable. It has been an engaging and invaluable experience which has helped focus my career choices and helped to better equip me for the application process. for which I am eternally grateful.