Participant Review

It was an exciting opportunity for me. I am glad I took part in this programme, I meet lots of inspiring people and made some real friends as well. It was intense enough to make the most of it but not too much so that we have time to talk to each other as well.

Personally, I found felt valued all the time as we have been presented some of the most important figures in the company and had the chance to talk to them personally, not just to listen to them. This is what really made the difference for me. In other programmes, I participated in it felt more passive but here the emphasize was on us being active and the members of the firm did their best to support us in making the most of this chance.

We have always received guidance during the programme but the guide-book that we received at the beginning included pretty much all the relevant information we needed to know. I have been guided in what comes next after every stage but meanwhile, we had enough breaks in which we could network.

I don't believe I developed any new skill in particular but the amount and the quality of information received during this programme is invaluable. I found answers to many of my questions and now I can better distinguish between firms and choose the right firm for me. I maintained my good opinion about DLA Piper and made connections with trainees from the firm, which were very open and willing to help!

It was very well organized, we had lots of contact with lawyers from different departments of the firm. The methods of communication varied, from listening to the speaker and asking questions, to workshop, lunch breaks or simply by having a few minutes of contact with each speaker that came to our table. I managed to maintain focus throughout the whole length of the programme which is not only because of my interest in commercial law and DLA Piper but because overall it was very well structured.

In my opinion, the atmosphere was relaxed mostly. Serious enough to allow us to make full use of our time at the firm but not too much so that we feel frightened. I felt very confident while public speaking during the programme and this is partly because of the pleasant attitude the recruiters had and partly because of the support received from the other participants.

The workshop that I participated in was a useful insight into the work the lawyers do and see how different departments cooperate but it seemed a bit rushed. I guess that the short time limit was part of the experience as well so that we become aware that lawyers work under time pressure all the time.

I think that I got a taste of what it's like to be part of a firm such as DLA Piper. As one of the partners said, the firm is one of the most "normal" ones when compared by the work you do to magic circle or similar firms and therefore, I see a higher probability for me to stay here on the long-term rather than in a different firm.

If there is one thing I can be certain about DLA Piper is that it is a diverse firm. Overall, people are friendly and happy to be working there but until I get the change to actually work in different practice areas within the firm it is hard to be very specific.

Extremely valuable. I know for sure what kind of law firms I will be looking at from now on and the ones that I will avoid. I got lots of contact with people that experienced what other firms are like and based on everything I have read before and what I saw during the programme, now my targets are more specific

We have been paid any expenses incurred because or during the programme. Nice accommodation was provided within a walking distance from the firm's office and our travel expense was reimbursed. Lots of food have been provided during the programme and we even had a dinner in an Italian restaurant where I have made a friend.

Plentiful of opportunities have been provided. I do not think there is a participant that could say otherwise. We had time to talk between us, with trainees, with associates and partners.

I had a pleasant experience during the social event opportunities and I have been lucky enough to have amazing table colleagues, both during the event and during the dinner, we had in the restaurant. Well thought an structured, I do not see more that could have been done.

Yes, we had a whole presentation designed for this purpose. There is more to life than just billable hours at DLA Piper and a wide variety of choice is the proof. The firm offers the chance to at least one trainee to have a seat in the pro-bono where you get to give back to the society and feel appreciated.

Yes! I will recommend it to all the freshers that I will meet next year and I have applied already for a different opportunity offered by the firm on one of its regional offices. Of course, I am looking forward to apply for the 2019 summer placement as well!