Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the DLA Piper 2019 UK Insight Programme. I was made to feel welcome from the moment I arrived at the firm and this feeling continued throughout the scheme. The talks, workshops and social activities were all very useful, and none of the participants were ever sat 'twiddling their thumbs' thanks to the action-packed schedule.

I felt very valued during my time at DLA Piper. Firstly, the firm paid for all participants (who live outside of London) to stay at a nearby, high-quality hotel, as well as for these participants' dinner expenses. We were even greeted by DLA Piper staff upon our arrival at the hotel. The talks by various DLA Piper staff members, including the Joint Managing Director for the UK and Europe, cemented the fact that we were valued by the firm.

We received plenty of guidance and support during the insight. The opening address, delivered by the inspiring Sandra Wallace, provided an overview of the firm and what makes DLA Piper unique. The 'Demystifying Law' talks gave further insights into the legal industry, and the CV workshop allowed for students to gain very useful advice on making applications.

The scheme as a whole will only motivate me further to work hard in order to have a chance at working at a firm like DLA Piper.

The scheme was extremely well structured. Upon arrival, all participants were given a booklet which outlined the schedule for each of the three days we would be at the firm, including the timings of talks and breaks, along with who would be leading that activity. The booklet contained named photographs of fellow participants, which was very handy and will be nice to look back on.

The atmosphere during the DLA Piper Insight Programme was amazing. There was always a 'buzz' in the room, and it was refreshing to see that everyone (eventually) was relaxed in the room together, and there were often laughs heard and smiles seen on the faces of my fellow participants. This was particularly the case during the talk delivered by Anderson Lam and Harris Chan!

There were numerous talks and workshops which will be very useful when it comes to making applications.

Though there was no opportunity to shadow a trainee or associate, I still left the scheme with a good understanding of what it would be like to have a full time role at DLA Piper. This is due to the opportunities that were on hand to network with trainees at the firm, along with the sector workshop that was held.

The 2019 UK Insight Programme at DLA Piper certainly helped me understand the culture of this magnificent firm. Indeed, this topic was directly addressed and talked about in many of the talks delivered to participants, with common words and themes being used, demonstrating the clear culture that exists at DLA Piper.

This scheme confirmed my desire to be a solicitor at a City law firm, and at DLA Piper itself!

The firm went above and beyond my expectations when it came to the issue of reimbursement. Most firms give a maximum limit for expenses, which can often lead to panic for those who need to travel far to get to London, and can be problematic when it comes to finding accommodation. DLA Piper put me at ease by not only booking all of us who live outside of London in a (very nice) hotel for three nights and paying for my train, but even giving money for dinner expenses!

The DLA Piper Insight Scheme 2019 was packed full of opportunities to network and meet other employees of the firm, and it was also made clear that these connections can last beyond the scheme with the employees welcoming LinkedIn invitations. A trainee panel, networking lunch and practice group speed networking activity were just some of the ways we could meet the firm's employees.

Very good.

Yes.

I would definitely recommend the DLA Piper Insight Programme to a friend. From booking participants into the same hotel, to the icebreaker activity, it was clear from the outset that DLA Piper wanted all of the 84 students on the scheme to feel welcome. Alongside this, the talks and workshops themselves were very informative.