First hand accounts
Mara Monte
University: Universita degli Studi di Milano, Italy
LPC institution: The College of Law
Previous work experience
My first experience was a non-paid vacancy scheme within a small solicitors’ practice in Bergamo, Italy which I undertook in the summer prior to commencing university. During university I worked as a part-time shop assistant in Benetton. Finally, before starting my experience as a stagiaire at Withers I worked in a coffee shop in London, whilst attending a course with a view to improving my understanding of the English language.
The stagiaire’s role
As a stagiaire at Withers you will be expected to play a significant role in the day-to-day workings of the various departments. Your input will be requested especially in any Italian related matters; for example, you will be asked to translate English documents into Italian and vice-versa, attend meetings with Italian clients and provide non-Italian speaking solicitors with an indispensable support, helping them convey concepts of English law to their clients.
On occasions you might also be requested to carry out legal research on Italian and EU law and to collaborate with the Withers’ Italian desk. Finally, you could also be involved in the due diligence activities prior to M&A transactions or flotation of companies.
The work you will be asked to undertake as a stagiaire at Withers is intra-departmental, this means that you will be dealing with different areas of law i.e. corporate, property, employment, litigation and family.
About me
I have always been fascinated by the British culture and had travelled around the UK before deciding to move to and live in London. I am currently studying the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law), which is the first step in the route to my becoming an English Solicitor. Amongst my interests are theatre, photography and travelling.
Advice to anyone thinking of applying
A good command of the English language is essential for anybody intending to join the stagiaire programme at Withers and to get the most out of this experience.