Insight Scheme Review

The insight scheme offered a rare but useful view into the workings of a real law firm. DLA Piper provided its attendees with a lot of bespoke information through specific talks with partners and networking sessions with current Trainees. The people, quality and food made this a very worthwhile experience.

DLA Piper did its best to reassure us how special it was that we had got on to the Insight Scheme. This was good to know, however the number of fellow students on the Scheme slightly undermined feelings of personal value. Despite this, the fact that senior members gave their time to talk to us meant we were obviously valued.

DLA Piper took very good care of us on the scheme. Beforehand, they had strong email correspondence and the Scheme was at the forefront of my mind. During the scheme they answered all questions and made sure we knew what we were doing. The firm was also generous in their travel/accommodation reimbursements.

I personally believe that this scheme built my sector knowledge, rather than any particular skill-set. Moreover, my degree is not based in law and therefore this knowledge is not strictly relevant currently. Despite this, the information was certainly useful and I am sure will benefit me for my future applications.

DLA Piper gave us a clear structure to the three days and stuck to this timetable very well. Each person knew what they were doing at all times and there was plenty of opportunity for clarification if necessary. In my opinion, this helped make the event run smoothly and cohesively.

Although there was an underlying sense of seriousness to the scheme - it is a top law firm which everyone is keen to earn a place into - there was a lot of sociability and fellow attendees were friendly. The talkers also helped make us feel comfortable and at ease.

The time which DLA Piper allocated for the scheme was especially generous. Three days is longer than most Insight Schemes and therefore helped us feel invested in. Moreover, the calibre of talks and well-thought out structure of the whole scheme reassured me that the company had researched and thought about what should go into the scheme.

The networking sessions with current trainees and future trainees, as well as speed dating with associates gave us invaluable insight into what we would do within the firm. However, I do not think that you can fully understand what the role would be like until you shadow someone around or at least see the offices.

Through the plethora of talks, there was clear consistency on the company's culture and direction. Again, the trainees helped reinforce this and it appeared that DLA Piper had a large global network with like-minded and friendly people. I would add that it is difficult to gauge company culture without experiencing this firsthand.

The scheme helped instil a new-found confidence in me and reassured me that law was a suitable profession for me. Moreover, I was previously unsure on whether law would definitely be for me but since decided that I am prepared to go through the hard-work. The scheme definitely helped confirm this.

DLA Piper not only reimbursed travels, but were also prepared to arrange accommodation costs. This was especially helpful for me, since I would otherwise hav had to get up hours earlier in order to make it in on time. The travel was reimbursed up to £100, which covers almost everyone.

Senior members of the firm delivered interesting and informative talks on the Insight Scheme. Additionally, there was opportunity to converse with current trainees and future trainees at the firm and relate experiences to one another. I found this extremely helpful and appreciated speaking to recruitment managers as well as trainees.

DLA Piper were sure to provide good food alongside networking opportunities, which naturally lifted the mood and ensured everyone was happy. The trainees were down-to-earth and easy to speak to which made the networking enjoyable as well as informative. There was also a variety of sectors to speak to which made every chat different.

Activities that employees can get involved in outside of work was a primary concern to me, since I enjoy various extra-curricular ventures at the moment. I therefore asked every trainees I spoke to about the ways to maintain sport and social life alongside work and was pleased to hear that this is possible.

The insight scheme was a comprehensive and high-quality programme that covered all questions and concerns for people entering the profession. I therefore think that this is the perfect scheme to gauge an insight into the legal world. Moreover, the information was useful going forward with applications, not to mention the great chocolate cake.