First Year Insight Programme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight. All of the staff were so friendly and extremely helpful, always answered our questions well and gave us so much valuable information. The activities they had organised were so engaging and I never got bored at all, the balance of team work and presentation was perfect!

I felt extremely valued, as not only a student but as a potential future member of their team. I cannot rate the hospitality from the Graduate Recruitment team highly enough, I felt very welcome and it was clear that the Insight Programme was very important to the team and this really made the experience even better.

The guidance and support that we received was on another level. The several members of the team that I liaised with always made sure to give the most accurate answers to any questions even if they had to go to great lengths to find out. Even things like printing, or clarifying the task; the team made sure that we were all fully supported.

The skills I developed and the information I received will help me invaluably in my degree and beyond. Particularly the presentations - as this was something I felt I needed to work on. The communication and team working skills that we relied all will definitely come to be of use in the very near future.

I didn't believe the team when they said that this was the first year they had run the insight. The structure was absolutely brilliant - we were provided with a timetable and it was stuck to, and the team made sure to reiterate what the next task was so everyone would be ready and in the right place - again, I wish I could rate it higher.

Although the entire insight programme was fun and engaging, there was a serious atmosphere at times, but this was definitely not unwelcome. It gave the real and honest feel of working in a city law firm; particularly emphasised the balance of serious, hard work and the lighter side of the job - which was greatly appreciated and made for a great mixed atmosphere that kept everyone on their toes.

I felt that the firm really invested a lot into us. The materials we were provided and the insights we were given were very tailored to our level and this would have taken a lot of time and commitment that I'm sure will only encourage us all further, so hopefully the team feel that their huge investment in us was worthwhile. I certainly feel as if I will benefit massively from their dedication and investment.

I believe this one of the key aims of the Insight Programme. Getting to meet with trainees or future trainees as well as senior partners really gave us a varied and honest insight into how the firm works and what it would be like to work there, whether this be through a detailed break down of what a 'typical' day is, or stories from successful cases the well-rounded nature of this particular insight seemed so well thought out, yet again I wish I could rate this higher.

This was another thing that I felt was a priority to the team. We were constantly reminded about the importance of the client focused nature of the firm, but also of the team work and international collaboration that they undertake and the hospitality and social side of it - from this insight I have taken away that it will be a fast-paced, hard working environment, with a strong client focus that encourages the development of relationships within teams and across the client range.

Although I am yet to decide specifically, the content of the day - particularly the talks from lawyers in different sectors - definitely took me from having no clue about what I wanted to do to knowing the general area in which I hope to practice. I'll add that the sheer enthusiasm of every team member about their job has made me want to work everywhere at DLA Piper!

Although I personally didn't have any expenses, those around me were fully reimbursed for trains and even flights up to a certain value and this was so helpful as trains are so expensive and it makes the experience so accessible for everyone.

There were at least three networking events per day. These were at meal times, we were encouraged to talk with trainees and other employees and to ask questions; there was also a speed networking event which was fun to condense questions into mere minutes, but also gave a raw and honest insight into firm life - something I found so valuable.

The range of people who were invited to the networking opportunities were great! I spoke to people who had just secured a training contract to some head partners. The social events within the attendees was also fantastic - such as dinner in Leadenhall Market - and I'm sure that I have not only met some future colleagues, but also friends for life and this wouldn't have been possible had it not been for the opportunities afforded to us from the firm.

From the emphasis of the importance of Pro-Bono work to the charity work undertaken within the firm to the client entertainment aspect, we were not only given insight about the employment aspect of the firm but the other things that we could get involved with. This was particularly impressive when it came to the Diversity and Inclusion committees.

I would tell anyone who was thinking about a career as a solicitor to absolutely apply for this insight, because if they didn't they would be missing out on a whole range of amazing opportunities and a new experience. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this programme as it really puts in the effort to engage first years, which is something that (as a first year) I believe is very important to the advancement of our careers.