Intern Review

I really loved the summer internship with DLA Piper. From day one I felt welcomed into the firm and it was definately very hands on as I was able to sit in on client calls and get involved in drafting documents. The graduate recruitment team were really supportive and the whole scheme was extremely well run.

I definately felt valued the minute I walked into the firm. Everyone seemed genuinely interested in welcoming the interns and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. I was very impressed with how high up members of the firm travelled across the globe to come and speak with the interns during the London induction week.

There was lots of guidance/support during the scheme. We were given a guide with a timetable of events as well as the names/photos of the other interns which was really helpful. Once in the working floor of the office the staff were always happy to answer any questions, even if it was just to show you the way to the loo!

The scheme has absolutely improved my networking skills, mostly because it improved my confidence to talk to people in a professional environment. There was a particularly useful session on networking and presentation skills during the induction week in London. Through conversation with partners and other staff, the scheme also improved my commercial awarness.

The insight was very well structured. The first week down in London was really useful to get to know the other interns and meet some key members of the firm. Having spent the time in London getting to know the ethos of the firm I then felt ready to spend two weeks in placements in different teams within the Manchester office.

The atmosphere during the scheme was one of excitement, not just on the part of the interns but on the part of the staff as well. Everyone seemed genuinely pleased to meet the interns and get to know our background. I think the smooth running of the scheme helped to ensure that you didn't really feel nervous and could just enjoy being in such an exciting global law firm.

I very much felt as though the firm were investing time in me. Over the course of my 2 weeks in the Manchester office I was able to meet for coffee with a couple of partners, who despite their busy schedules wanted to get to know myself and the other interns. Staff would take time to explain tasks to me so I really felt supported.

The scheme definately helped me gain an insight into life at DLA Piper. I felt welcomed into each of the teams I worked with and was able to talk to various members of staff about their roles within the firm. The insight scheme really was an 'insight' into life at the firm and I am excited to begin my training contract.

The first induction week in London was particularly useful to understand the culture of DLA Piper. We were then asked to do a mock client pitch and the information we had been given during the induction week really helped us to deliver this. Once in the Manchester office it was nice to see that the culture is reflected acrosss the different offices.

From day one of the insight scheme I felt sure in my choice to become a solicitor at a global corporate firm. The inisght scheme was almost an exercise in reassurance that despite the potentially long hours I think I will really enjoy my training contract with the firm and will be well supported as I train to become a solicitor.

I was paid £260 per week and was able to reimburse travel expenses and evening meals during the London induction week. Breakfast and lunch were provided for free.

The entire insight scheme was essentially a networking event, starting with meeting the other interns down in London and then getting to know each of the teams I was placed in back in the Manchester office. I was able to meet for coffee with a couple of partners as well.

There were numerous social networking events including pizza with the trainees, a meal out with some partners and various lunchtime events in the office. These events really helped to show the friendly culture of the firm and help make the interns feel welcome, as well as being a chance to network with staff.

The staff in the Manchester office were involved in various activities which the interns were invited along to. This included a cricket match against RBS, yoga classes and the staff choir. Again these activites help to show how friendly the firm is and how interns were made to feel welcome.

I would absolutely recommed this insight to a friend. The firm really pull out all the stops and you feel special as an intern! I had so much fun and made many new friends. It is also a great opportunity to learn about life as a solicitor at a global corporate firm.