Insight Scheme Attendee Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight scheme. It was a great few days at the London office, it was fun and interesting throughout. We met the most senior lawyers for the firm and everyone who spoke to us were enthusiastic and supportive. Definitely worth applying for if you are interested in gaining a real insight into DLA Piper and commercial law. As much as it was extremely worthwhile, the insight programme did have a large cohort of 80. It also did not enable students to shadow solicitors. The programme consisted of presentations and interactive exercises. Nevertheless, it was throughly enjoyable as I met loads of new friends and learnt a lot!

I felt incredibly valued during my time at DLA Piper. From the moment I met graduate recruitment at the hotel to networking with trainees, partners and managing directors I felt welcomed by all. Every member of staff at DLA was happy to answer all your questions and always had a smile on their faces. It was an incredibly warm and supportive environment to learn and meet new people in. From the very start of the programme, graduate recruitment reminded us how much we had achieved by being successful in applications. Throughout the programme, the hospitality was amazing. DLA Piper provided all of its attendees, breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is no doubt that I felt very valued during my time at the firm.

Throughout the programme, I was supported by graduate recruitment and trainees. It is safe to say at no point did I feel the programme lacked support. During a negotiation exercise, current trainee solicitors were there to help and advise students on the best course of action. Everyone at the firm was happy to answer any questions.

I developed skills such as teamwork, communication and networking. I also developed my understanding of commercial awareness as well as DLA Piper's approach. I learnt about the firms Pro Bono and its specialised areas of expertise. These skills will without a doubt be incredibly useful in the future. I will be able to apply all of my new knowledge to future applications and interviews.

The insight scheme at DLA was incredibly structured. There was at no point in time I felt that the programme was not planned or thought through. Every day the graduate recruitment team had organised something different, each exercise tailored to a different skill. Although we did not truly know what the itinerary was going to be before arriving, we were fully informed on the first day. The programme ran like clock-work. Whilst it was very structured, it did not feel too rigid either.

Throughout the atmosphere was fun, welcoming and happy. DLA's Pro Bono team informed us of their exciting projects and also conducted engaging debates. The negotiation exercise was also extremely stimulating and exciting to be involved in. Everybody was happy throughout as over the days we learnt more and more. Very insightful and enjoyable.

The firm invested a lot of time into educating and helping its attendees. From presentations about de-mystifying the law to CV workshops, this insight scheme will prepare you greatly for the future. In my opinion, the firm really invested in your own development as it was concerned about helping you decide what career path was right for you.

DLA Piper's insight scheme was a great opportunity to learn about its culture, the areas it specialises in and what makes it different. I was able to speak to future trainees, current trainee solicitors and partners from all over the world. However, this insight scheme does not show you what life is like as a solicitor day to day. Unlike other schemes, I was not exposed to actual on-going deals in a seat in a department. Nevertheless, it was extremely useful in gaining an understanding of what it is to work for DLA.

From Pro Bono to its approach to training this insight scheme meant I learnt a lot about DLA Piper's culture. From the moment I walked into the office, it was extremely welcoming and supportive - this instantly displayed what kind of culture DLA had. I felt it was very much a family feel as it was such a warm and helpful environment. Presentations from the managing director for the UK and Europe and Corporate partners meant you were truly able to gain an understanding of DLA's culture.

Each day on the insight scheme I learnt more and more, from different practice areas to DLA Piper's approach to corporate responsibility. As I have learnt a lot about life as a commercial lawyer, the programme tremendously in helping me decide on my future career path. Talks from international partners also meant we were exposed to the wide-ranging culture of the firm and its international scope.

The firm paid for over 50 attendees hotel fees, a three-night stay in a London hotel. (only available if you had to travel over an hour to the office) I was also reimbursed for travel and food expenses. In my opinion, the firm went above and beyond by even reimbursing food expenses for those who were living at home -just so they could socialise with their new friends.

Networking was at the core of DLA Piper's insight scheme. Every day there was an opportunity to speak to future trainees, current trainee solicitors and partners at the firm. I was always able to ask a question and learn about what it was like to work for DLA. The scheme consisted of Q&A panels as well as presentations from leading lawyers across the world. There was a networking dinner on the first night and plenty of opportunities to chat to trainees. The scheme itself was situated on the same floor as many trainees, this meant we were able to chat and ask questions to lots of employees.

On the first night of the insight scheme, there was a networking event at the top-floor. It was a perfect opportunity to socialise and make new friends as well as network with trainees. Every day the open layout of the office meant I was able to socialise with other students at breaks and lunch. It was a great opportunity to meet new people. The networking opportunities were well run and organised.

Throughout the programme, I was able to talk to trainees learning about what activities they are able to get involved in. From international secondments to working in the Pro Bono departments. We also learnt that there are sports teams and lots of social events throughout the firm. The scheme provided opportunities to talk to individuals each in different stages of their legal career.

I would without a doubt recommend this insight to a friend. DLA Piper's Insight Scheme is incredibly informative and exciting. It was a fun few days in London, meeting new people from universities across the country and a brilliant opportunity to network with the firm's employees. I was able to learn a lot about the firm and its culture. In my opinion, this is the perfect opportunity to learn what DLA Piper is like and further your understanding of commercial law.