Summer Internship Review

Incredibly enjoyable. The entire programme put me outside my comfort zone, and helped me to improve upon and develop myself as a person and as a lawyer. Dominique and her team put together a varied and well thought out programme that allowed us to learn so much about the firm, both in regard the culture and the work being undertaken.

We were a cohort of 100 interns to begin with, and then split off to our regional offices. Given the size, it's difficult to feel like you're valued as an individual in the first week. However, once splitting off to regional offices, we noticed that everyone at the firm embraced us with open arms and it truly felt like one big family.

During the first week we were given plenty of guidance on all things on the horizon, such as the group presentation. After this we were kept in the loop via email & video conferences. Thanks to this we always knew what to expect in regard our performance management review, and our final day. Lawyers within our regional offices always supported us with our work regardless of how busy they were.

These three weeks have helped me to improve upon my confidence, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail. I will go away from this scheme with a spring in my step, and know that no matter what obstacle or challenge I face, I am entirely capable of overcoming it. Also, I have learnt so much about legal practice that I will be able to transfer the knowledge directly to my studies.

The programme was divided into two parts. The first being four days in London networking, improving upon interpersonal skills and learning about the firm. Graduate Recruitment managed to get over twelve speakers in the first four days, which added to the variety of information being delivered. After that we spent two weeks in our respective offices in two seats respectively. This gave us a transparent insight into the firm - something that isn't often available to interns. There were also plenty of social events spread across the three weeks, which meant that there was fun to be had - be it with partners or trainees.

I was surrounded my like-minded, driven, knowledgeable and diverse individuals from all stages of education and work. Everyone was grateful to be at DLA Piper, and took the opportunity to learn as much as they could about both the firm and the industries it is concerned with. Everyone was enthusiastic no matter what the task or challenge. Never did I see anyone who was feeling worried, unnerved or disinterested.

The firm put a lot of resources into the scheme, and prepared us for our two weeks whilst still in London. We had training and talks from everyone which helped us to develop our soft skills. Once we got to our offices, our line-managers were content to provide us with constant training and development opportunities. We were treated as employees, and invited to all events that would help us to expand our understanding of the market.

Everyone was treated as an employee - not an intern. That meant that we had a once in a lifetime insight into the real work of DLA lawyers, and we got stuck into some of the work ourselves. Some people had more exposure depending on the timing or practice group they were with.

The firm didn't attempt to cover anything up. As I stated in many answers, there was complete transparency, and we were made comfortable enough to know that we could ask anything (within reason). If I were to summarise the culture, I would say that DLA values everyone equally, and so long as you work hard, engage with people, and enjoy the work you're doing, then you will fit in.

The content in London gave a flavour of the type of macro work being undertaken by the firm (disrupting traditional markets, setting benchmarks for diversity, strategic expansion). The two weeks gave in-depth insight into the day-to-day work of the firm, and gave interns an idea of what they would be doing as trainee's.

Paid approximately £1000 for the three weeks and various expenses (travel, food in London) were reimbursed as well.

There were plenty of opportunities daily in London, as well as a networking dinner had towards the middle of the first week. The regional offices had events also, be it with partners or trainees. Interns were also encouraged to network informally throughout the two weeks.

It was apparent upon arrival that no expense was spared when it came to putting on a top-notch networking event. The dinners we were taken too were incredible, and the informal events were well thought out so they didn't seem overly formal. DLA knew the time and place for what type of networking event, and that allowed for an enjoyable atmosphere to network in.

There was plenty of mention about Pro Bono as well as local (non-legal) support to charities and schools. People made informal remarks about the types of work they get involved in outside of work, and also discussed some of the initiatives that have been rolled-out to assist with that (agile working).

Definitely. I can see why DLA has won so many awards for the programme, and I would strongly recommend the placement to anyone who wants to see how the industry is being shaken up by innovative and pragmatic firms like DLA.