DLA Piper first year insight programme Review

I enjoyed the first year insight programme provided by DLA Pieper very much. Despite the fact that this is the first programme of this type that they made, it was the best I have attended. It has been really focused, highly organised and the catering and accommodation facilities they have put in place for us have been outstanding.

I strongly feel that each of us has been taken into account, we all had the opportunity to give our opinion and ask questions at every step, and for more shy people, the many group work opportunities ensured that we all feel integrated and express our ideas. We have been treated very professionally and maturely.

There has been a big number of staff available around us which was instructed to come to us and discuss what we think and how we could approach our tasks. Everyone at the firm has been extremely helpful, polite, friendly and treated us professionally. For example, I had two incidents when I have forgotten something and when I asked for help everyone made sure I solve the problem.

There have been presentation from partners across the sectors of the firm which have been very helpful in creating an idea about what each sector comprises. Being a first year student, this was very helpful as i developed an idea about different sectors and what I may like to do in the future.

I can not be more pleased about the structure of the insight programme. Every event and presentation was carefully planned and put in time conditions , leaving specific time for queries and questions. We have been provided with a booklet which included the exact plan over our three days programme which was very efficient.

The general atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed as we have been treated as being a part of the DLA team. At the same time, the athmosphere has been very professional as we all had a smart dress code and have been treated as being on an equal foot with the rest of the team.

In terms of personal training and development, the firm really tried to involve us in many activities and events to introduce us into the legal world. We had many team projects and work to develop our skills such as communication, teamwork, and language skills as many of us speak English as a second language, myself included. We had a big team project to present in front of partners of the firm which gave us strong sense of being proud and wanting to work harder.

The insight programme has been created so that we have a full day each day of the programme which matched a normal day of work at a law firm. We had networking breakfasts, lunches or dinners which is a really important event in the life of a lawyer as it allowed you to make connections with other people.

The insight programme was extremely helpful in understanding the culture of the firm as we came in touch with many people around the firm, from catering staff to partners of the firm, which have all been very friendly and helpful. Also, we got many details and insights from trainees, future trainees, and qualified lawyers of the firm.

The content was really valuable as I am not sure yet what I want to do and we got many information about other people's life experiences. For example, a partner explained how he moved from the bar to a solicitor career in ten firm, giving some advantages and siadvatages of both .

I was reimbursed my travel expenses which amounted to around £120. I had some queri s about this before attending the event and I got a quick answer which was also very specific and helpful. Also, I have been provided with accommodation in a close hotel which was very nice. During the day at the firm we have been provided with lot of food and have been also to a restaurant.

There have been lots of opportunity for networking and meeting employees across all days. People came to our tables and talked to us, presenting themselves first and telling us about their career, the sector they work in and what they do. We had chance to ask questions and talk more closely. We had networking lunches and dinners.

They have been very nice, with lots of food provided.

Pro bono activities and networking events.

I would definitely recommend to a friend.