First Year Insight Programme Review

Very much enjoyed the programme. It was my first time on any structured programme such as this and I thought that it had been very well planned. They had included workshops, talks and activities on each area of law that would be relevant to an undergraduate who's aim is to come into law, whether it be with a law degree or not.

I felt very valued during my time at DLA Piper as all the staff were very welcoming and accommodating, as well as everyone on the programme being very pleasant and easy to get along with and make conversation. The graduate recruitment team had made a real effort with the hospitality side of the programme, with plenty of food being provided, with a highlight being the meal out in town.

I received a lot of guidance and support during the three days at DLA Piper in both the activities that were planned but also in terms of the next steps into becoming a solicitor. This was particularly enhanced by having graduates who currently study the GDL come to speak to us.

The skills I have received and developed during this insight have massively helped me to determine whether a career in law is for me or not, with me now swinging massively towards a career in law. Some of the aspects of law that we were introduced to I had never thought about working in so it has really opened my eyes.

The programme was extremely well stucture, with everyday having a well thought out intinerary, with every aspect of the process of becoming a solicitor and life in a law firm after qualification being covered. The graduate recruitment team brought in a range of senior solicitors who were extremely useful in giving us an insight into this industry.

The general atmosphere throughout the programme was always warm, friendly and fun. Everyone seemed to have a great time talking with mainly people who they had never met before, especially with the emphasis being on food throughout the majority of the insight. All the staff were all very helpful and approachable

The firm massively invested their time in helping us personally develop our skills for working in a team but also for making ourselves more attractive to firms when we are applying for jobs. The fact that we can put this programme on our CVs will massively increase our chance of securing vacation schemes and training contracts.

This insight programme massively helped me to understand what it was like to have a full time role in an international law firm. Talks from senior members of each group working within the firm proved very beneficial in helping me to think what type of law that I would like to practice in.

The insight massively helped me to understand the company culture, especially in terms of hospitality. This, we were told, is a massive part of the corporate behaviour of the firm at a more senior level to entertain clients. This was helped by the networking events that ran throughout the programme.

I would say that the content of each day was extremely valuable to my future career. This was down to the fact that there were talks from a lot of different law groups within the firm. Also there were more interactive and hands on workshops to help further our careers.

There was food and drink provided all day, including breakfast, lunch and tea with snacks being provided during the breaks. The firm offered to pay for a hotel for the entirety for the programme and to also reimburse a return journey to London for up to £100. They looked after us very well.

There were plenty of networking opportunities during the programme, but these were mainly with the other students on the programme and with graduates, as well as the graduate recruitment team. The only real interaction we had with solicitors from the firm was during the talks and presentations that we were involved with.

These events were very well attended with plenty of food and drink being provided. They were a great opportunity to meet other students who were on the programme and who were from different universities from all across the country. Everyone came across as very friendly and easy to hold conversations with.

We didn't really find out anything about this, except for the large number of hospitality events that more senior solicitors get to attend. We were also told about all of the different pro bono work that members of the team can get themselves involved in with different trips across the world being available.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is considering a career in law as it is a great introduction into the legal profession. It will also look great on a CV. It was a great opportunity to meet people all wanting to pursue the same career and compare notes and experiences