Jean-Paul Dyer comments on what it means to be a student at a law firm, prior to commencing legal studies and reveals how much he has enjoyed his experience as a student

Summer placements at any law firm are not technically a pre-requisite for law students. However, around the world, as the competition for job placements rises exponentially, law students can gain a substantial advantage by working at a firm during the summer.

Securing a summer placement can make lasting impressions for future job prospects upon qualification and also allow students to realise a certain level of practical legal knowledge as they forge their way through law school.

Law students at any level can benefit greatly from a summer placement with Mello Jones & Martin. A smaller-size firm comprised of around 20 partners and associates, Mello Jones & Martin offers a more intimate work atmosphere than do other larger firms. Whatever the firm lacks in size, it makes up for in stature. The opportunity to engage with some of the premier legal minds in a small community provides an appropriate complement to your legal studies.

Mello Jones & Martin can offer students placements in many specialised areas of the law such as corporate or litigation, and much like firms in the UK, advocates mobility through all the different departments. This is very helpful, especially, if you have not yet made up your mind as to the specific practice area that you wish to work in.

Whatever your decision, your avid participation in the work provided is expected.

During my time at the firm, I have made an effort to immerse myself in the workload and atmosphere. Even though every attorney will actively seek you out to ensure that you have a broad workload, it is necessary that summer students be self-sufficient. The opportunities for involvement and self-improvement are available but it remains imperative that you utilise these facilities.

Obviously, the work delegated to you as a law student will depend upon what level you are currently at in your studies. Certainly the bulk of the profession is focused on scrupulous independent research, and as a summer law student, do not expect things to be any different.

The reward is the education you receive in the research and how it interrelates with the overall project. Of course, guidance is always available and students are not abandoned to discover the purpose behind a certain task or project by themselves.

The personal approach adopted by the partners, associates and support staff at Mello Jones & Martin ensures that queries, no matter how small, are answered qualitatively and expeditiously.

The experience at Mello Jones & Martin prepares you for the coming years of law school. It is surprising how much of an advantage a summer placement is with a smaller law firm.

The work delegated to you by the partners and associates is expansive in subject matter. By doing this, the firm ensures that you are given every opportunity not only to understand the practical implications of the law, but also to perhaps lay a foundation in the particular arena of law that interests you the most.

In my opinion, Mello Jones & Martin provides a mutually beneficial environment for securing a ‘real world’ level of application for formative ideals learned during law school.

Working as a law student pays off