As part of my undergraduate degree in Maynooth University I took part in the placement programme run by the Law Department. I completed a one year placement in Mason Hayes & Curran’s Debt Recovery Department. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and was interested in coming back as a trainee. They informed me about their internship programme which they utilise as their main method of selecting trainees.
The application process was one of the easiest out of all the large firms, requiring just a cover letter and your CV. I applied and was successful in my application and was asked to take part in the July intake of interns. There was about 18 of us in total which I really liked, being a small group it wasn’t overwhelming and you got to know everyone very well. On our first week we were eased into the firm and work, we had a team building evening where we went to an escape room with other events every week, both in sports and social.
The work itself was challenging and meaningful. I was trusted with important contributions throughout my internship and was encouraged to give my opinions on different aspects of the work. It really felt like I was a part of the team making the internship very insightful, showing me what it would be like to be a practicing solicitor in the firm. We also were given a group project on an assigned topic, which we gave a presentation on at the end of our time in MHC. I really enjoyed this as I got to research the area of gig work and it’s evolving relationship with the law which I am very interested in. I also received some great tips from the marketing team on my presentation skills, something which MHC promote their solicitors to partake in throughout their careers in the firm.
After finishing the internship I was offered the training contract and I couldn’t be more sure of my choice. The internship programme and my time spent in the firm on placement made me certain that MHC was the correct fit for me when it came to choosing where to train. The friendly, collegial atmosphere emanates throughout the firm into every department that I worked with. I would recommend anyone who has an interest in law to apply, the internship is paid and will give you a great insight into what the life of a practicing solicitor looks like before you commit to a training contract.