First Year Insight scheme Review

I really enjoyed the programme overall. It was a fantastic experience to immerse myself into the firm’s culture and work and discover a lot about DLA Piper that I didn’t know before. There were opportunities to ‘have fun’ in terms of meeting and socialising with other students and employees during networking drinks and meals out.

The Graduate Recruitment team, Partners and Trainees were all very welcoming and friendly. I always felt happy to ask questions and settled. We participated in icebreakers on the first day of the scheme which facilitated feeling comfortable and valued. The firm also put a lot of time and energy into us by delivering insightful presentations, which made me feel valued.

We received lots of guidance both about what’s best to do now and how to impress the recruitment team and about applications for the summer internship programme. All travel and meal expenses were covered for, therefore we were financially supported and there was contact details available for us to contact if we had any issues.

We developed lots of transferable skills such as team building and speaking in public. Lots of the exercises undertook were done in teams, and it was a great opportunity to discuss complex legal issues with intelligent students. We also covered legal issues we grapple with in a Law degree, such as some ECHR cases and torts.

The insight programme followed a fairly rigid timetable which was really useful in mentally preparing myself for the few days ahead. We arrived at the same time on the mornings. There was always things to do and questions to ask. The breaks were frequent but not overly long, therefore I felt refreshed ready to complete the sessions.

It was great to bond with fellow, like-minded students and the DLA Piper made the atmosphere very friendly and welcoming. Thus I felt comfortable in contributing ideas. I would say the atmosphere was competitive and many people were keen to impress, however this was understandable at a leading Law firm like DLA Piper.

The firm offered lots of insight sessions and opportunities to develop our awareness of their practice areas and become more commercially aware. The group projects were useful for team building. There was also a negotiation exercise which developed my skills to think critically and respond to client demands. This was created by the firm.

There were several opportunities to talk with trainees on panels, and also to talk to partners and the DLA Piper team. Therefore, I felt there were lots of ways to understand what a full time role at the firm would be like. The insight had a lot of variety, so I now understand what happens at the firm.

Hearing first hand from the trainees was really useful as I now understand the company culture to an extent. It would have perhaps been nice to see more of the offices as we mainly stuck to one floor and actually see a practice area, however I understand that this is more the prerogative for an internship programme.

We covered all sorts of areas about commercial law and questions were strongly encouraged. I now feel like I understand lots about the practice areas and have an idea about what I would like to do in my future career, therefore it was invaluable in helping me shape my future aspirations.

All reimburses were accounted for. This included the train travel to the relevant station, as well as 3 nights in a very pleasant hotel if appropriate. People who lived close by stayed at home however the opportunity to stay in the hotel was great and allowed bonding between students. Meals were also included and the food was very nice.

There was the opportunity to meet with Trainees and Partners. There was a networking drinks event on the first day with lots of drinks and pizza which was very pleasant. Employees actively encouraged us to add them on LinkedIn and people I met in the lift, for example, were welcoming.

I really enjoyed the networking opportunity on the first evening with lots of drinks, salads and pizza. The firm also gave us a meal allowance on the other nights so we networked amongst ourselves and I have consequently built up lots of LinkedIn connections! It would have been nice to have another social event on one of the evenings, though I understand this was a short programme.

The Trainees told us about the pro bono activities they participate in, as well as the sporting activities they enjoy outside of work. This was really interesting. The importance of a work life balance was emphasised and it was really interesting to see that employees do more than just their job.

Definitely, it was a really valuable experience and I feel a lot more knowledgable about DLA Piper which will help me when I come to make an internship application. It was great to meet lots of other students as many were on the programme, and the negotiation exercise in particular was very fun and engaging.