Intern Review

I really enjoyed the work that I was given, it was achievable but also made me feel like I was contributing something valuable to the team. The people were always approachable and even if I needed help or they were busy they never made me feel like I was intruding or a nuisance.

The layout of the internship meant that we were assessed after each week of work in a different department. This meant that we were able to review, in conversation with our line-managers, the work we had provided. They were also very good at contextualizing the work we would do for them, explaining how our small piece would fit into the whole of their, or the teams, project/work. It made me feel like I was contributing something important even though a lot of the time it was just researching.

We were told we were marked on three things: a group presentation, assessments at the end of our work weeks and an overall evaluation of our engagement with the scheme. We were not given feedback on out overall participation during the scheme, nor were we given any feedback after the presentation (although we will receive feedback a week after the internship ends so maybe this will be included here). We were supposed to get feedback after our work weeks but one of my managers did not show me my scores- while this was against what was supposed to happen, I heard it happened to a few other people.

It was very interesting to move beyond academic study into a field wherein the clients business needs were first. When presenting research for example, we had to translate this into something that would be useful beyond legal knowledge and jargon into something to utilize in practice. This will be a useful business, and legal trainee skill, but I'm not sure about the wider application.

The internship was completely restructured and this was only the second time things had been run. Regarding what was organised most things seemed to run smoothly. All of our speakers showed up and there was definitely a plan in place. The internship was three weeks long, the first being an introductory week consisting of lectures and information on the firm, so we could all get to know each other. The next two weeks we were put into different practice groups. I think more care should have been taken to inform and train our managers- Sometimes it seemed like they were surprised by our arrival in their office.

Despite there being more women then men in numbers (maybe 65:35), there was definitely a 'boys club' going on that I think was facilitated by the graduate recruitment team. This was felt by a lot, if not all, of the women They all became very chummy and it was off-putting when it seemed like they were showing what seemed like favoritism- I guess we'll have to see who gets the jobs to evaluate if this had an impact.

They did put a lot of time and energy into allowing us the opportunity to meet the senior leaders and management of the firm. Similarly, for the first introductory week, all of the interns from offices across the UK were brought to London so we could network and link with our cohort.

The practical experience was underpinned by a buddy system. This was a nice mix of learning hands on what types of work and resources you can use within the firm are. Similarly, we had so many opportunities to talk with both trainees and associates of the firm about what the work was like.

The firm was very forward in making sure every interaction we had was underpinned by an example or understanding of the firms values and culture. We had lectures of the culture itself, the pro bono and responsible business departments as well as a 'diversity and inclusions' breakfast whereby we were introduced to the lgbt+ and women leadership groups within the firm

I feel like this has definitely shown me that working as a corporate lawyer doesn't mean I have to sell my soul or compromise my work-life balance. If I am successful with my internship I would happily take the job and if not then I am not put off from applying elsewhere for the same jobs.

I was paid enough that I could cover my renting costs for the three weeks. Overall I would say I probably broke even just because of how expensive travelling to work everyday on the tube is- but that is to be expected. I would say I am satisfied with the payment I received.

This was the main focus of the first week. Here, the networking was in the form of Q&A lectures and the promise that if we had any questions we could email them further. There were only two networking dinners which was disappointing- I would have expected and appreciated more considering we were there for three weeks and there were no other out-of-work events organised.

When we had the networking Q&A sessions, there were 89 of us in a giant room attempting to ask questions. There were very few opportunities to engage with this many people and it seemed like it was the same people being chosen to speak/ask questions again and again. It was very frustrating as we were being marked on overall engagement yet not afforded the opportunity.

There were a few opportunities that were mentioned: pro bono being a main one, the firms football team, the groups within the firm such as Iris and LAW. We were invited to watch the world cup games after work and to the pub with our team a few times.Other than that not much.

Yes for sure. Despite a few bumps I had a really engaging and eyeopening few weeks. I was so nervous to come and I have had a great time meeting new people and solidifying what I had liked when I had researched the firm. I would love for my friends to be here!