First Year Insight Programme Review

The 3 day insight programme could not have been more valuable to first year students, especially as attending open day etc is all very new. Extensive detail was given by partners, trainees and the graduate team about the firm and general application process. We were made to feel at home instantly, and each day was thoroughly enjoyable!

As a group of over 80 students, first impressions would be that it is hard to stand out. However, all of the team and other staff were more than happy to answer any questions, and were interested in your story. There were multiple options to talk, however there was no pressure to do so.

On the first day we were given a programme to tell us the running of the next three days so we knew what to expect. On one occasion we did a corporate deal, and there were multiple trainees to help each team, which was very helpful as they could give us guidance on how to proceed.

The group discussions which happened further developed my ability to think critically, and challenge ideas presented by others. Moving forward towards an application and career, much advice was given on how to work in a team and act in the work place. I believe what we learnt would help with the application process to any law firm greatly.

A programme guide was given at the beginning of our time there, and at the start of each day we were given a brief introduction of what would proceed. Breaks and talks generally fitted within the given time frame. It was helpful to know who would be speaking so we could research them before hand.

The graduate team were incredibly upbeat and friendly. They, as well as partners and trainees were constantly optimistic and made us feel valued. The other students were all friendly, and I believe I learnt so much by speaking to them and finding out how they had gone about getting experience; the range of students was very diverse in terms on background and university. Each day was exciting and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the firm!

There were ample opportunities to stand up and speak throughout the programme; although there was no pressure to do so, I believe that taking the opportunities to ask questions/ present to the group in the mock corporate deal helped to improve my confidence significantly. There were also chances to work as a team, when completing the corporate deal and coming up with ideas as a table to present to the room.

The insight was very effective to help us understand what it would be like to work for DLA Piper. We got to see different perspectives, as there were panels by future trainees who were currently taking the LPC, trainees, partners and partners from the Hong Kong firm. We could ask anyone who was speaking any questions which was very helpful to understand the roles of different lawyers.

Again, there were plenty of opportunities to ask questions and it was clear from trainees to partners that the culture at DLA is incredibly friendly. The networking lunches with trainees was helpful because we could speak to them on an informal basis; all of them were full of praise for the culture of the firm, especially in comparison to other firms which expect you to work weekends etc.

The insight helped me to understand more about what it means to work within the law and how important it is to be with a firm which values its employees. The talk about the LPC/SQE was especially helpful given the current uncertainty of what law firms will be expecting of us.

I commuted every day as I live close to central London; we were able to give an expenses form for the cost of transport where we will be reimbursed. For those of us not staying in the hotel, we were also given £20 for dinner on the Tuesday night, which was very generous and completely unexpected!

We got to meet several different members of the firm and there was plenty of time for questions after their speeches. We mostly got to network with the trainees, all of which were so friendly and had a lot of time to answer and questions and concerns we have. I think speaking to multiple trainees was beneficial to understand the real culture of the firm and how we will be treated if we end up in the same position as them.

On the Monday night, dinner and drinks were provided, which gave us an opportunity to talk to other students on the programme and members of the graduate team. Often lunches and breaks were accompanied by trainees and members of staff; on the programme itself, there was a designated time period for 'speed networking', where trainees came around each of our tables for 5 minutes.

On speaking to trainees, I was told about the social events members of staff take part in after work. There was particular emphasis on what new trainees would get to do during the vacation scheme/ beginning their training contract, such as going to Sandhurst for team building activities and having dinners/drinks together.

I would absolutely recommend this to a friend. Not only is it useful for finding out more about what it is like to work in the legal profession, it is an opportunity to get a true feel for a potential employer, as well as a chance to meet many new people and make friends. We could not have been more looked after; the graduate team were there to greet us every morning and were always present and smiling throughout the day. Although the programme was only 3 days, we were made to feel at home and the only downfall is that it wasn't for longer! I had the most incredible time and look forward to applying for the vacation scheme. Many thanks again to all of the graduate team for making it such a worthwhile experience.