Insight Programme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it really did acccommodate for different interests and personality types.

Whilst interacting with numerous people in the firm you got the sense that they valued your input and questions. Even the smallest things like remembering your name and recognising that this programme was just before exam season illustrate this.

We had a wide array of guidance being able to speak to and hear from individuals ranging from future trainees to partners, and also hearing frequently from graduate recruitment.

Of course the skills are perhaps more career and application focused. However, feedback did transcend into endeavours, and habits, we should consider taking on to help in our studies and life outside of our degrees.

The event was well structured, it allowed for an appropriate level of interactive exercises, whilst not forgetting that there still is need to have the less involving aspects as well - not just for variety, but to effectively convey information.

We did talk about pressing issues plaguing the legal profession/industry and the world in its entirety like discrimination, cuts to legal aid, unconscious bias and human rights breaches. But this didn’t hinder the fun, we didn’t take ourselves too seriously, and there was even time for a Mexican wave or two.

This was more of a first steps and insight opportunity. Yes, I have developed, but hopefully participating in DLA Piper’s longer term programmes/internships will allow for better personal training and development.

None of the current employees shied away from talking about how challenging their work is, but they equally highlighted the positives in their roles such as international opportunities and interesting work and clients.

When numerous people in a company corroborate their experiences, it’s difficult not to see what the firm holds at it’s core, even as it’s shape and structure rapidly develops.

It was valuable in that it demystified some of my apprehensions about working in a commercial law firm. However, it’s added more career confusion for me, because before the programme I was sure I could set this aside as a non- viable career option. But it’s now a real contender.

All expenses associated with attending are likely to be covered i.e. travel and accommodation. 2 - 3 meals a day will be provided by the firm throughout the programme.

Literally every day of the programme provided an opportunity to network with employees within the firm.

The networking opportunities bar one we’re not fixed or rigid. They allowed more for conversations (over lunch or a coffee/tea/hot chocolate break) as opposed to a more pressured you have to speak to this person now, and ask them this or you’re done.

There was a lot of information about pro bono opportunities. Also worth noting are the events and summits the firm runs such as the first Iris (their LGBT+ platform) summit they recently held. Additionally, even employees as senior as managing directors are still able to take part in social mobility work.

Definitely would recommend it.