Insight Programme Participant Review

I incredibly enjoyed the First Year Insight Programme at DLA Piper. The programme as a whole was put together professionally by the Graduate Recruitment Team and was filled with a variety of activities and talks from current graduates, trainees and partners which all helped to give a better insight into the types of works the firm deals with and the clients they work with.

While there were another 80 odd people on the programme, I felt extremely valued by the graduate recruitment team. As well as the GR team, the partners who gave talks about their legal practices were all very engaged and spoke to us all before and after their talks.

Communication was really good through the insight. The programme was so well organised and we were all given a pack of information at the beginning which included a photo of everyone taking part so we could get to know the rest of the cohort. We went sent regular emails before and after as well.

I feel that the time spent at DLA Piper allowed me to develop skills which are relevant for the legal professional but also everyday life which I will carry with me throughout my studies. I have gained knowledge in certain areas of law which will be relevant for my future career. Additionally, I have development my communication skills and the networking skills which I believe are crucial for my studies and becoming successful in my career.

The First Year Insight Programme was structured really well and the hospitality provided by the Graduate Recruitment Team was outstanding. Everything was well thought out and each day was packed with different activities and skills sessions aimed at our personal development and relevant to us as first year insight students.

The atmosphere was great. Everyone attending was really nice and the Graduate Recruitment team were very supportive. After we were taken out for dinner on the second day, a group of us went for a drink to get to know each other better which was indicative of the relationships I've formed on this insight.

As it was an Insight Programme, I receive any personal training and I would not have accepted to, however, the entire programme focused on our personal development and growth. Every single activity and skill-session was aimed at our development and I found these sessions to be truly invaluable in my pursuit of a legal career.

I gained a full insight as to what would be expected of me if I were to work within the company in the future. This actually made me want to apply to DLA Piper as I was provided with a lot of information and the different ways in which I could gain a job at the firm. The partners were very helpful in ensuring that I received a good understanding of what was expected as an employee and the ways in which everyone in the firm works together to ensure that the firm is run efficiently.

By spending three weeks with the firm and meeting lots of different people, this gave me an understanding into the companies culture and in particular their values. During the different presentations the talkers would explain the values which they think are the most important. Spending time in the office reassured what was important to the firm and the companies culture was therefore reflected in the work which was carried out.

This experience has entirely cemented for me my desire to be a commercial lawyer. All the people I spoke to were so intelligent and inspiring in their work, from corporate lawyers to the specialist pro-bono team. Working at DLA Piper would be a dream for the future after this experience.

I was reimbursed adequately for this experience and was provided with accommodation too. The hospitality provided by DLA Piper was incredible.

The social opportunities were good and we had a number of networking lunches/drinks where we could talk to trainees and associates to discuss what their jobs entailed. It was a very valuable experience talking to people who have gone through what we want to go through so DLA were great at giving us that opportunity.

Really enjoyable events!

Yes, I was able to find out about lots of different opportunities that employees can become involved in!

Yes, I would definitely recommend this insight programme to a friend!