DLA Piper Summer Vacation Scheme Review

I really enjoyed the insight because there were a range of different activities that we participated in. I also feel that the whole experience truly gave me a valuable insight into various different aspects of the firm. It was also highly useful because I feel as though I now have a better understand of what it may be like to work at DLA Piper longer term.

I felt very valued during the insight because it was very clear that the itinerary was constructed to truly give us the best out of the experience. A lot of time and effort clearly went into arranging events such as the department talks; especially considering the fact that they were carried out across all 7 offices. The talks given both during the welcome week and also during the remaining two weeks were given by CEO's, Managing Partners and Global Heads. This made me feel valued as all these people made time to give us insights into DLA Piper, themselves and their practice areas.

I felt like I always had people I could turn to and ask questions to, whether that was Graduate Recruitment, Supervisors or Trainees. I felt Graduate Recruitment made themselves very available and approachable and the Trainees also provided invaluable insight about Trainee life and also with any tasks I was set.

Whilst I may not have learnt content to pass exams, I feel like I have learnt a lot from a number of presentations delivered throughout the Vacation Scheme. The presentation, networking and branding presentations have given me valuable tips and advice I can carry forward through university career and also my legal career. Furthermore, the department talks and also the weeks in department also mean that I feel as though I can make a more well informed decision about where I would like to sit as a Trainee.

The insight was very well structured; each day had something organised which kept the days busy. Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed the way the first week was organised. Having all the vacation schemers from all the offices in one location at the beginning made me feel very relaxed and it was also nice to get the opportunity to mingle with people who could potentially be part of our trainee cohort.

The atmosphere during the insight was very lively. All the vacation scheme students were incredibly enthusiastic and I feel think this created a relaxed atmosphere to be in. Having us all in one place also provided a more collegiate feel to the experience. I feel as though we fed off each others' energy throughout the vacation scheme.

The first definitely seemed to invest heavily in our personal training and development. There were various departmental insight talks which highlighted key skills we should look to improve on for the future. DLA Piper also delivered a number of workshops based around networking, branding and also presentations. The skills I learnt in these sessions are ones I will take away and implement in the future.

The firm really showed me what it could be like to work for the firm long term. I feel as though we were given real opportunities to get involved with valuable work. Whatsmore, I feel as though the work that I was given to do was actually useful. Both designated supervisors and trainees made a conscious effort to give me work that Trainees would do during their Training Contract. I was told on a number of occasions that the work I did was really going to assist them in the future.

I thought the content of each day helped me understand what working as a trainee would be like, however, I also got a good insight into the sort of work you could be doing as every level. I feel like the experience has reinforced and also clarified any prior thoughts I had about before completing the insight.

The firm has been truly accommodating. During the first week when we were based in London, DLA Piper reimbursed both food costs and travel costs. Additionally, those of us in offices outside of London were accommodated in hotels for 3 nights. This was very generous and considerate of the firm. On top of this, we were treated to dinner and drinks on a number of occasions

There were a number of opportunities to network with employees of all levels within the firm. It was very encouraging that both Partners, Associates and Trainees were willing and ready to give up their time in order to talk to us about their personal experiences and also provided responses to all our questions.

I found the network opportunities and social events were of an appropriate level. There were just enough to really give us to get the chance to know employees of the firm and also to get to know fellow vacation schemers. At the same time, I did not feel there was an excessive amount which would leave us too tired. Some of the social activities were quite formal , however, it would have been nice if we also had more informal activities during the week with the trainees.

I felt as though whenever the opportunities arose, we were told of ways we could get involved with activities outside of work. We were told that we could get involved with Pro Bono and other initiatives the firm partakes in. We were also told about the various sports teams that we could also become a part of.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout all three weeks of the vacation scheme. I believe that others could really benefit from this experience. It is difficult to really understand a firm without spending a substantial amount of time there. This 3 week period really taught me a number of skills and offered me a lot of chances to learn, develop and grow.