Hi, I am preparing an application for Shoosmiths’ training contract, and I would love some feedback on areas to improve on how I have written my work experience. The maximum word limit for Shoosmiths for each experience is 250. I have used below this word count in each experience. I would really appreciate any advice.
Legal Intern – Nazir Solicitors (September 2025 - October 2025)
During my three weeks at Nazir Solicitors, I gained experience in both the commercial property and immigration departments.
In the property department, I demonstrated strong drafting skills by supporting my supervising solicitor in preparing a contract for the sale of a commercial property. Following client instructions, I incorporated key provisions, including an exclusion clause, ensuring the document accurately reflected the client’s requirements. While reviewing the contract, I applied strong attention to detail to identify inconsistencies and errors. This task helped me understand the importance of precision in transactional work.
I also assisted the immigration team and used my legal research and case analysis skills to support a client’s appeal against the Home Office's refusal of their visit visa. I analysed caselaw R (Iran) v Secretary of State for the Home Department alongside the relevant provisions of Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor to produce convincing evidence for the client’s case. I summarised how legal principles applied to the client’s circumstances and presented my findings to the team. My research supported the preparation of a pre-action protocol letter supporting the appeal.
Overall, being entrusted with this level of responsibility gave me valuable insight into the importance of careful research and drafting in legal practice.
Peer Coach – University of Sheffield - January 2025 – May 2025
As a Peer Coach, I supported ten students in setting goals to improve their academic progress and personal well-being.
I organised and facilitated one-to-one coaching meetings in the setting preferred by the student, which created an environment where they felt comfortable discussing challenges. I used open-ended questioning and attentive listening to help students reflect on issues such as managing academic pressure while balancing multiple responsibilities.
I adapted my coaching approach to suit different student needs. For example, I adopted a more structured format for students who preferred to prepare topics for discussion in advance, while taking a flexible approach for those who wanted to explore issues as they arose during the session.
At the end of this experience, students were able to identify practical strategies to manage their workload and wellbeing. They also reported increased confidence in setting priorities and working towards their academic goals.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer - Forage Job Simulation: International Mergers.
I completed a job simulation on mergers and acquisitions where I conducted due diligence for a multinational resources company considering the acquisition of the third-largest mining company in Brazil. My task was to assess whether the client should proceed with the transaction and identify any legal or commercial risks.
To conduct the due diligence, I reviewed documents provided by the target company, which included reports on labour relations, loan agreements, and a record of environmental incidents. I analysed the loan documentation to understand the repayment obligations and determine whether it could create financial risks for the acquiring company. I also examined the labour relations report and assessed the stability of the workforce. In addition, I reviewed the environmental incidents and evaluated potential regulatory breaches and liability.
As a result, I identified high-risk issues including strained labour relations, significant loan repayment agreements and records of environmental incidents that could trigger regulatory scrutiny and legal liability. I concluded these risks needed to be addressed before the acquisition could proceed.
This experience mirrored the work that trainees undertake during corporate transactions, and strengthened my ability to conduct structured due diligence, analyse legal risks through a commercial lens, and provide practical advice to support informed business decisions.
Family Services Volunteer- Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact)- November to Current
I volunteer at Pact, where I provide relevant information to help families understand prison procedures and ensure successful visitations. This involves me explaining the visitation process and the rules individuals must follow in a clear and simple manner.
I also assist in planning and delivering activities designed to strengthen family relationships, such as family days, homework clubs, play activities and peer support groups. These initiatives help children cope with conflicting emotions from being separated from a loved one.
Through this role, I developed the ability to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds in a sensitive environment. I have learnt to adjust my tone to meet the unique needs of families, ensuring that information is clear, supportive, and accessible.
Domestic Assistant- Sheffield Hallam University - 2025 – Present
Alongside my studies, I work as part of the Estate and Facilities team responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness across the university environment. This role requires strong time management, prioritisation, and the ability to complete tasks efficiently within allocated timeframes.
Legal Intern – Nazir Solicitors (September 2025 - October 2025)
During my three weeks at Nazir Solicitors, I gained experience in both the commercial property and immigration departments.
In the property department, I demonstrated strong drafting skills by supporting my supervising solicitor in preparing a contract for the sale of a commercial property. Following client instructions, I incorporated key provisions, including an exclusion clause, ensuring the document accurately reflected the client’s requirements. While reviewing the contract, I applied strong attention to detail to identify inconsistencies and errors. This task helped me understand the importance of precision in transactional work.
I also assisted the immigration team and used my legal research and case analysis skills to support a client’s appeal against the Home Office's refusal of their visit visa. I analysed caselaw R (Iran) v Secretary of State for the Home Department alongside the relevant provisions of Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor to produce convincing evidence for the client’s case. I summarised how legal principles applied to the client’s circumstances and presented my findings to the team. My research supported the preparation of a pre-action protocol letter supporting the appeal.
Overall, being entrusted with this level of responsibility gave me valuable insight into the importance of careful research and drafting in legal practice.
Peer Coach – University of Sheffield - January 2025 – May 2025
As a Peer Coach, I supported ten students in setting goals to improve their academic progress and personal well-being.
I organised and facilitated one-to-one coaching meetings in the setting preferred by the student, which created an environment where they felt comfortable discussing challenges. I used open-ended questioning and attentive listening to help students reflect on issues such as managing academic pressure while balancing multiple responsibilities.
I adapted my coaching approach to suit different student needs. For example, I adopted a more structured format for students who preferred to prepare topics for discussion in advance, while taking a flexible approach for those who wanted to explore issues as they arose during the session.
At the end of this experience, students were able to identify practical strategies to manage their workload and wellbeing. They also reported increased confidence in setting priorities and working towards their academic goals.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer - Forage Job Simulation: International Mergers.
I completed a job simulation on mergers and acquisitions where I conducted due diligence for a multinational resources company considering the acquisition of the third-largest mining company in Brazil. My task was to assess whether the client should proceed with the transaction and identify any legal or commercial risks.
To conduct the due diligence, I reviewed documents provided by the target company, which included reports on labour relations, loan agreements, and a record of environmental incidents. I analysed the loan documentation to understand the repayment obligations and determine whether it could create financial risks for the acquiring company. I also examined the labour relations report and assessed the stability of the workforce. In addition, I reviewed the environmental incidents and evaluated potential regulatory breaches and liability.
As a result, I identified high-risk issues including strained labour relations, significant loan repayment agreements and records of environmental incidents that could trigger regulatory scrutiny and legal liability. I concluded these risks needed to be addressed before the acquisition could proceed.
This experience mirrored the work that trainees undertake during corporate transactions, and strengthened my ability to conduct structured due diligence, analyse legal risks through a commercial lens, and provide practical advice to support informed business decisions.
Family Services Volunteer- Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact)- November to Current
I volunteer at Pact, where I provide relevant information to help families understand prison procedures and ensure successful visitations. This involves me explaining the visitation process and the rules individuals must follow in a clear and simple manner.
I also assist in planning and delivering activities designed to strengthen family relationships, such as family days, homework clubs, play activities and peer support groups. These initiatives help children cope with conflicting emotions from being separated from a loved one.
Through this role, I developed the ability to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds in a sensitive environment. I have learnt to adjust my tone to meet the unique needs of families, ensuring that information is clear, supportive, and accessible.
Domestic Assistant- Sheffield Hallam University - 2025 – Present
Alongside my studies, I work as part of the Estate and Facilities team responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness across the university environment. This role requires strong time management, prioritisation, and the ability to complete tasks efficiently within allocated timeframes.
