Summer Intern Review

I very much enjoyed my time at DLA Piper. I particularly enjoyed the last two weeks in which we were able to spend time in the departments and do real and meaningful work. I really appreciated how much time and effort, the line managers put into making sure I had a great experience throughout the time I was there.

Throughout my time at DLA Piper, I did feel valued by the line managers and the associates throughout the offices. One of the partners assigned work for me to do and the feedback I recieved from that project really made me feel valued at this firm. Everyone was very respectful and considerate.

During the insight, I felt a lot of guidance and support from the line managers. During my first week, the line manager I was set with would spend the whole day with me talking about the firm and about the practice group. It was very encouraging and helpful. During my second week, my line manager always made sure I had work to do and if I was enjoying myself at DLA.

I had the opportunity to speak to the human rights lawyer at the firm, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]. As I have a background in Politics and Government, speaking to him and eharing about the different ways I could apply my previous degrees into law was very interesting and helpful. This made me realize that DLA Piper could bridge my two interests: government/politics and law.

I think the overall structure of the vacation scheme was good. However, as oppsoed to the first week, in which we heard from partners every day, I would have preferred more time in the practice groups or even a third placement. I would have preferred that the first week be condensed to two days and then three days in a practice group. However, I did enjoy meeting the other interns from the regional offices.

The general atmosphere of the vacation scheme was great! Everyone was really friendly and welcoming. It didn't feel as though the interns were competing against one another. I appreciated how the Grad Recruitment Team did not tell us there were only x amount of spots available. This took away the competitive nature of the vacation scheme and made it friendly and collaborative.

In terms of personal training and development I thought that DLA Piper invested a lot of time in helping us understand how the firm works and what opportunities are in the firm. Both of my line managers took so much time out of their day to teach me about the practice group and gain an understanding of the type of work they do.

The vacation scheme very much helped me understand what it would be like to have a full time role within the firm. I would get in at about 8:15 and I wouldn't leave until 7 which is to be expected as a law firm. I appreciated this as it prepared me for what work would actually be like in the firm.

The vacation scheme really helped me in understanding the firm's culture. I loved how important Pro Bono is to DLA Piper and having a responsible business mindset. All of the partners and associates were very friendly and welcoming. I found all of the partners and associates to be approachable and open to discussing their practice groups.

The two weeks where we were placed in different practice groups really helped me understand what kind of law I want to do in the future. I found everyone very approachable and this allowed me to go outside of my practice areas and speak to partners and associates about their work. It was very insightful and really helped me think about what kind of law I want to do in the future.

For this vacation scheme we were paid £400 per week so £1,200 overall. I found this to be very generous and unexpected. For those travelling from regional offices to London for week 1, the Grad Recruitment Team reimbursed all of their expenses including trains, planes, hotel rooms, and food as well. It was very generous of DLA Piper to provide everyone with food everyday.

Sadly, there were not too many networking or social event opportunities throught the vacation scheme. Although they provided us with two dinners where we could talk to partners, it was assigned seating and not conducive to moving around. Therefore, if you were not sat near a partner you did not have the opportunity to talk to them. I would have also liked more social events with the trainees.

Yes, I would recommend this vacation scheme to a friend. Although the vacation scheme was stressful at times, working and being in the firm was very exciting and memorable. I had a lovely time throughout the vacation scheme and all of the partners and associates added to that experience. DLA Piper has a great culture and very friendly people.