Summer Intern / Vac Scheme Review

It was very invigorating experience, lots of networking and lots of learning which set me in very good stead for my career. The food at all the events were fab and I loved meeting the other interns which no doubt made it easier when I returned back to my home office.

I was given real cases to work on in my Leeds office, and my supervisor gave me all the support I needed. I sat in on client meetings and my input and questions were welcomed and appreciated. I felt like a normal staff member and this made it easier for me to perform to the best of my ability.

A booklet was provided, breaking down all my meetings, conferences and where I needed to be and I had a contact number which I could call incase I had any issues. The Grad team meticulously planned the event prior and this eased nerves as I had a fair idea on what to expect.

Networking skills was key, especially when an external professional was hired to come speak to us about networking and how to present ourselves in a commercial environment. Speaking the partners gave me a real insight into the firm and I also received valuable advice from them which you cannot find online!

Compared to other firms. DLA Piper is extremely organised, you don't just turn up for a week to sit at a desk and do proof reading. The week is full of meetings, socials, conferences and staff in the office are aware that you are coming and do everything possible to make you feel welcome. Travel and all food costs are covered!

buzzing, everyone was really friendly and helpful, even though technically, you are all competing for the same job, all interns appreciate what it takes to get here and we all got along really well supporting each other and sharing our journey in the legal sector so far. It was a perfect mixture of fun and intense learning.

They hired an external trainer to come speak to us about networking, also the CEO came and gave us a session and a number of partners from UK and abroad also took their time out to speak to us about their journey and what to expect. Pro-Bono charities such as Reprieve also came speak to us. There is too many to mention on here, but they invested a tremendous amount.

The two weeks working in the office enabled me to meet clients and work on real life issues, the 9 to 5 allowed me to understand the day to day tasks of the firm. Speaking to partners, to canteen staff to even cleaners made it easier for me to appreciate how the firm operates and what it would be like to work here.

Meeting real life people, human interaction beats reading material on a website, it really allows you to appreciate, the diversity and experiences that people go through and how they manage. This was essential for me, as I wanted to speak to those who had career changes, those who work flexibly, those who have young children to understand how they manage and received valuable tips of them for me to really understand how much the firm does to be flexible.

I was quite nervous about my legal career. Its quite stigmatized with being quite privileged and working long hours with no social life. But the internship opened my eyes to the diversity DLA Piper has compared to other firms and how staff using different methods to appreciate a healthy work life balance.

DLA Pays the highest from all the firms in Yorkshire for their Vac Scheme/Internship. As I have done placements at other firms, it was nice to compare. DLA covered my travel for the London events and all Food and this really helped ease worries especially for those that don't have a bank account full of cash to turn to.

Everyday was a networking day, specific events were created where staff came in and it made it easier to meet and network. In the office, staff approached me and introduced themselves which is always nice as a intern you don't always have the confidence to go around speaking to people.

Very good, lots of staff and lots of time to speak to people. So if you did'nt get time at one event, there would be something in the future. The socials had a variety of activities suitable for all to make everyone feel welcome. I must admit, I went for seconds during almost every lunch.

A number of charitable events, but in the local offices, they have running, rugby, badminton and football and more depending on which office you start your career in. And if there is a gap, you always have the opportunity to set something up. There's a market for a Love Island appreciation society i believe!

147% I would, whether your sure about a law firm, or nervous, this insight will allow you to either affirm your beliefs or at least give you direction. The skills and people you meet will last a lifetime. It's a no brainier. DLA Piper is maybe in the top 5 law firms in the world so it looks fantastic on your CV.