Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual internship. Of course the internship was intended to be a longer three week in-person experience, but the Graduate Recruitment team ensured that activities contained as much intimacy and camaraderie as possible in a virtual set up. The speakers and group exercises were so engaging that without the light that indicated that I was in the middle of a zoom call existing, I probably would have forgotten that we weren't all in a room together.

At no point did I not feel like a valued member of the UK & Ireland Internship cohort - and the firm as a whole. In fact the value of interns was often reiterated by numerous speakers. The only reason why I didn't give this a 10/10 is recognition that with a virtual set up I am likely missing out on opportunities to get one on one conversation time at dinners, or whilst carrying out tasks that an office arrangement would provide.

The structure of each day was clearly relayed to interns before had - typically at least a day in advance. Each intern had a buddy (who was a first year trainee) that we were free to contact for any questions we may have had. Additionally, a plethora of extremely helpful trainee drop in sessions were put in place to get guidance/support on our set group work.

There is no doubt that experience with a firm that values its people and values as much as DLA Piper does present the opportunity to improve interpersonal skills. I was also able to work on my critical analysis, synthesising of information and presentation skills. Crucially, I will be able to utilise these skills virtually as well.

The internship had a logical and realistic structure. The experience did end up being about 1/3 of the time, but Graduate recruitment rightly recognised that 3 weeks of zoom interaction would likely become tedious and perhaps repetitive. The arrangement also allowed for a mix of between hearing from speakers, and Q&A sessions early on, and then later in the day having more interactive group tasks such as a quiz and presentations.

The atmosphere was extremely welcoming and understanding. Having done the DLA Piper first year insight programme I was certain that this would be an experience where I would be comfortable to be my whole self. As horrible as the global pandemic has been - and I in no way seek to belittle this reality by saying this - but everyone involved from ourselves as interns, to graduate recruitment and the numerous lawyers from the firm given that we were going through rather uncertain and unexpected times exceeding any already exceptional expectations of empathy and warmth.

Again, the reason for not having a full score here is purely based off of expected limitations on informal interactions and time constrains of a virtual programme. However, after presentations there was opportunity to get feedback, and a meeting with a partner also serves as a means of gaining entail about how to further develop.

During the internship it was made fully clear what t would be like to be a full time part of the firm. Moreover, this was illustrated not only at trainee level, but also as associates, partners or managing directors. Further still, it was clarified what this would a full time role would look like in the various practice areas (employment, litigation and regulation, corporate etc), as well as sectors (technology etc).

DLA Piper's company culture is unmistakably genuine and unashamed to champion (radical) change. Various members of the firm echo this expressly, but also implicitly through the topics they choose to focus on and their commitment to society as a whole. To give an example, even when speakers were unaware who else had spoken to us or what they had spoken about they all mirrored similar sentiments about empathy, taking on challenges as well as diversity and inclusion.

Content clarified exactly what DLA Piper is like as place to work and progress one's legal careers within. Next steps and career progression were also laid out clearly. I already walked into the session being clear about wanting to be a commercial solicitor and perhaps even having some ideas about practice areas. The experience consolidated the former. In regards to the latter though in a sense the shape of my career path may be somewhat more vague after the internship, this is for the better, because open mindedness in terms of the area to qualify into is better.

Interns are definitely well paid. We are set to receive a couple hundreds of pounds for their time with the firm. In addition, we got 50 pounds worth of food vouchers - which was more than enough to have a feast. Monetary compensation for this internship experience is definitely adequate. I didn't have this issue, but given the shift from in-person to online it is my understanding/belief that were prepared to reimburse any expenses (e.g. accommodation) that interns may have already paid for these services.

Yes, there was a series opportunities to network and meet with other employees of the firm. As a matter of fact interns were able to hear from partners, associates, and even a future trainee. Every single day in the programme presented such an opportunity - albeit taking on less of a one on one set up at least in the scheduled zoom sessions.

Each day of the virtual internship offered the opportunity to network and socialise not only with the members of the firm, but also other interns. As a part of a cohort of I believe 99 interns, all eager to ask questions during scheduled sessions not everyone was able to get all their questions answered. Nevertheless, this was mitigated by the fact that all speakers were open to having questions emailed to them.

The firm itself offers a number of non-work related activities - I found out they run music and at classes. DLA Piper also operates a number of sports teams. Interns were also able to learn about activities that employees take on which aren't strictly related to the firm - there were avid golfers, sports fans, and individuals that took on more serious activities for example sitting on boards of organisations centered around social mobility and LGBTQ rights.

Yes, I would recommend this virtual experience to my friend without a doubt. It was a well structured and well planned opportunity, that exceeded all expectations for an internship taking place in such a drastically different set up. There was ample time to enjoy oneself, but also to develop one's skills and reflect on where you see yourself in the future. Whilst always learning more about the legal profession and particularly in commercial contexts.