Zak Khan, previous placement student at Frettens, started with the firm in summer 2022, as part of our annual placement programme.
In his time at Frettens, Zak worked within our Commercial Property Department in Christchurch, alongside an experienced team.
In this Q&A, Zak answers some frequently asked questions about the placement programme.
What experience have you gained in your placement year?
Working at Frettens was an extremely insightful experience.
Prior to starting at the firm, I had no idea how different the real world of Law would be compared to University.
My time at Frettens has given me invaluable knowledge and I am now far more prepared for life after University than most students.
What type of work did you do?
Most placement students are given assistant roles and are handed tasks which don’t develop real world legal skills.
However, in the Commercial Property team at Frettens, this wasn't the case.
Most of my workload as consisted of tasks that solicitors do. I had been trusted to draft contracts, deal with clients, and do crucial legal research to aid my team.
Did you feel part of the team at Frettens?
Although transitioning from a University lifestyle into a structured workplace can be a big change, my team at Frettens were very welcoming and did their best to include me into the fold from the beginning.
We joked a lot in the office and had regular team nights out. Everyone is friendly and the workplace is a very pleasant place to be.
What are Frettens like?
I believe Frettens may be the best place for a placement student to spend their year in industry.
My mentor has taught me a great deal which has helped me develop skills that will aid me throughout my career, this is something most placement students wouldn’t experience at other law firms.
Frettens are not like a corporate law firm, here everyone knows everybody, and staff satisfaction is placed at the forefront of the company.
Read more about what it’s like to work at Frettens here.
So, what are the benefits?
There are many benefits to working at Frettens. Here’s just a few…
There is a clear route for career progression which is aided by a supportive and nurturing work environment. You will receive full training and constant support by your team. The IT department is brilliant, and help is available from them at all times.
We are also a very social firm with multiple networking events such as Football tournaments, First Friday Drinks, Pizza Parties, and a Christmas Party all funded by the firm!
Read a full list of benefits here.
Should I spend my placement year at Frettens?
I would certainly recommend it, and I am sure that Greg Cooke, who’s also completing his placement year here, would agree with me!
When asked about his experience with Frettens, Greg had nothing but nice things to say. “My placement has been great for experiencing the practical side of law. It has given me exposure and experience to many aspects of the law that a degree could not.
I couldn’t recommend Frettens more.”
Read about Greg's experience at Frettens here.
Placements at Frettens
As of January 2024, we are currently looking for two students to join us for the summer. The deadline for applications is February 9th.
Please send your CV and covering letter to csnow@frettens.co.uk
You can read our tips for applying, including what to include in your CV and covering letter, here.
The content of this article, blog or video is not intended as specific legal advice. For tailored assistance, please
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