First Year Insight Programme Review

I enjoyed the scheme very much. It was a great experience to get to know other first years both law and non-law that are interested in pursuing a career in law. It was an excellent way to establish relationships with future colleagues as well as getting to know other people's aspirations in law.

I felt very valued at all times during my time on the firm.I felt they took the time to carefully planned every workshop, every partner that was going to give a speech and every social event/networking event we would attend. They were always willing to answer or questions and concerns.

As much as I need it/ask for. During our workshops we worked in teams and we had graduates coming to help us and explain the tasks and what was expected from us, we received excellent feedback from our presentations to the partners from the different sectors and every partner took the time to answer the questions after every speech.

It has helped me realize I want to work as a solicitor. As well as why I would like to pursue a career with an international firm. Speaking to the partners and the trainees has giving me a better idea of what to do for my next vacation scheme applications.

Very well structure,we usually ran a few minutes behind but they always manage to get us back on track but the only thing they could add to their structure for the event is maybe a tour of the offices and include speeches from female partners.This way we can see how the firm tackles the problem of gender pay inequality in the legal industry.

Everyone was very friendly, welcoming and at the beginning nerve racking, but as the time passed people started to be more comfortable with each other and were more willing to participate in the activities that were prepared from us as well as felt confident enough to ask questions to the partners.

I believe the company invested a lot of resources and time preparing for this event. Everything from booking the hotel, to food, to speakers to social events was planned perfectly. They gave us a clear insight into what life as a solicitor is working for them as well as how much hospitality they have for their clients and anyone that visits their offices.

Their hospitality, and their commitment to give the best advice to their clients definitely were reflected during this scheme.

I would say that it helped me understand how important it is to spend some time in the firms, getting to know the partners, the graduate recruitment team and asking the trainees what their experience is so far because that related to where I am going to be in the next few years.

It was very valuable because it gave me a real insight to what life as a solicitor would be like working for a global firm such as DLA Piper, it also helped me realize how important it is to network with other first years and future colleagues in the legal industry.

I still haven't send my travel expenses receipts but I am sure I will be reimbursed for them.

Yes, plenty especially after the speeches we got the opportunity to ask the partners plenty of questions about their personal journeys as well as were they see the legal profession heading towards in the future with things such as Artificial Intelligence.

There were plenty of networking opportunities during the days we had lunch with and without the trainees to talk among ourselves and get to know each other as well as during the workshops when we had to work in teams.Then the last night we all got invited to have dinner at a really nice restaurant in london to network outside the office.

Yes, speaking to trainees I found out about what a usual day means for them, if they have a good work and life balance and what seats have they found the most challenging as well as rewarding so far in their careers. We also had a workshop specifically highlighting the probono work you can participate within the firm.

I would definitely recommend this insight event to anyone who wants to pursue a career as a solicitor and especially in London in a firm like DLA Piper. It has given me a deeper understanding to what is expected of me as a trainee and what I can expect from the culture of the firm.