Future Trainee Solicitor Review

The 3 week internship at DLA Piper was an amazing experience. We spent one week in the London office alongside the students from all the other UK offices which was great as we got to meet our potential future colleagues and get a real feel for the firm and the type of people it attracts. During this week we took part in different talks, presentations and skills workshops and commenced group projects. The following 2 weeks we spent in our respective offices across the UK. The work was varied and interesting, the employees were approachable and friendly and I got really involved in the cases. Despite being an intense and tiring three weeks, it was certainly enjoyable and rewarding.

Although obviously the work we carried out was not of high importance or urgency, I was still made to feel valued by the trainees, my supervisors and fellow colleagues in the office. They showed interest and took time to speak to me and answer any questions I had. We were definitely made to feel part of the team.

On the insight we were assigned a buddy who we met up with and could speak to about any questions or problems. We also had supervisors in each department we were sat in who were a point of contact and who we received work from and could ask any queries or questions to. We also had many opportunities to speak to trainees at lunch or on socials who were very approachable and friendly.

The internship developed my presentation skills and team work skills which are transferable to every aspect of life and studying. We received really helpful information and insights into the firm and the different practice areas through daily video conferences which the UK heads of departments. We had talks from the likes of [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] which were very inspiring and insightful with many opportunities to ask questions about the nature and future of the firm and legal industry in general. It was also easy to talk to people from departments that we were not sat in. I was able to meet with a woman from the IPT department to discuss ideas for my dissertation.

The new structure was praised a lot with one week being in London with all the other vac schemers from all UK offices. Having this induction week and taking part in professional skills workshops, talks and insights was a great way to be welcomed to the firm. Then having experience in 2 departments for one week each was enough time to get a look at the type of work and environment that practice area carries out on a day to day basis.

Due to a few technical issues, the atmosphere at the firm was probably different to usual however the lack of access to email etc meant that workers were available to chat to and ask questions which was nice. As it was a time of difficulty it was really interesting and nice to see everyone working together and compromising to find solutions and not let it get the firm down.

During the first week in London we took part in many different professional skills workshops including Brand Awareness and Personal Management, Presentation Skills, Diversity and Inclusion, Professional Skills and Networking. In the other 2 weeks, we also had daily one hour insights with the UK heads of department. They obviously invested a lot of time, effort and money into the new structure of the internship.

In the department, it was evident that there was a conscious effort to give us a varied work load and allow us time to speak to the trainees, our buddies and our supervisors. I attended a client meeting, sat in on board meetings, drafted contracts and client letters and carried out research. Everyone was willing to answer any questions we had about the different departments so that in the future when we have to decide what seats we wish to do, we have an awareness of what each is like. Also the whole experience in general was enough for us to know whether we wanted to be a commercial solicitor at a firm like DLA Piper or not.

Being in a Non-London office, we were paid £275 a week and were reimbursed for our train travel to London with our hotel being paid for, for the first week in London.

As I have mentioned, we were assigned a trainee buddy for the internship. We also had a supervisor in each department we were in who welcomed us to the team and introduced us to the other members of the department. We attended an office drinks where we were able to chat to loads of different people. In the Leeds office we have 2 different socials - one for a meal and one to play games and have drinks. There was also opportunity to go for lunch or for coffee with trainees.

Due to the technical difficulties the firm encountered in the summer, the communication of the social events could have improved however they were still enjoyable to attend and nice to chat to trainees and workers outside of the office environment. In London we attended a three course dinner at a nice restaurant and we were sat with different partners and directors from the London office and Grad recruit. In the Leeds office we also had 2 different socials - one for a meal and one to play games and have drinks. There was also opportunity to go for lunch or for coffee with trainees and one evening we had office drinks with the trainee partner Matt.

We had a diversity breakfast one day where we learnt about the different extra things that we can get involved with at DLA Piper such as IRIS for the LGBTQ community, the woman in law group which anyone can get involved with and all the different charity events that DLA get involved with. There was also a lot of emphasis on the pro bono work that DLA Piper carry out. In the first week, there was a whole day committed to responsible business practice. We were also informed of the sports teams that workers can get involved in.

I would definitely recommend all my friends to apply to DLA Piper for the internship if they wish to be a commercial solicitor. In my opinion, it is the best non magic-circle firm with huge global presence, an amazing culture and atmosphere amongst colleagues. The long application process is worth it for the benefits you gain and for how it looks on your CV.