DLA Piper Summer Intern Review

Really enjoyed- met loads of new people from a variety of degree disciplines and backgrounds. Gained lots of insight into DLA Piper, practice areas, unique parts of the firm and aspects such as diversity and inclusion, social mobility, the LGBTQ plus support group, the women's network and the family caring group. All interesting and encouraging initiatives.

The students were valued and supported throughout. For example, we received meal vouchers and a notebook. The lawyers and wider team were all friendly and welcoming, and seemed genuinely keen to get the interns involved, as opposed to viewing interns as merely 'students'. Grad Recruitment were keen to emphasise that DLA Piper trainees are seen as 'family.'

Lots of guidance and support, for example we were assigned a trainee buddy who emailed us and telephoned etc. There was also the Grad Recruitment team on hand to assist. Sometimes emails weren't replied to, so would have appreciated a response. We could have felt isolated with it being online, but this was largely not the case.

Learnt lots of legal information, which will assist in degree studies and beyond. Could also help with future law firm applications. Developed virtual skills, such as how to deal with people over Zoom, and became more confident in using the Zoom application. Delivered a presentation and worked on an exercise, developing analytical and presentational skills.

Very well structured. Received a timetable at the start of the week, and the team constantly kept us updated with emails and provided information regarding the structure. Had a good amount of breaks throughout too. Felt very organised and discussion naturally flowed throughout the week.

Overall, a good atmosphere. Opportunity to ask questions, meet lots of interesting people and there were some very enjoyable and welcoming moments. Met the other 99/98 interns and people were positive and excited. Made a WhatsApp group with interns from my 'team', so felt included. Only thing I would say, is that some of the interns were a bit sycophantic at times, but I guess that is what you expect.

Not loads of training as such, but the opportunity to meet different lawyers and hear perspectives. Emailed a few people more specifically, to gain greater insight. I guess preparing a presentation with my group offered the chance to learn new skills, especially as we received feedback from the panel following this.

Very much helped to understand. Obviously, would have been ideal to be in the offices. But given the circumstances, I feel the programme helped me to understand. There was a trainee panel, where trainees gave their experiences and input, and some of the trainees explained aspects like 'a day in the life of a typical trainee in corporate', for example.

Great opportunity to understand the culture. Learnt about DLA Piper's core values and these values were reflected throughout. Learnt about the diversity initiatives, amongst others. Had specific sessions with inspiring people, and it was clear that the calibre DLA Piper recruits is strong, and there are lots of expert lawyers.

We had a session on 'Next Steps' which was helpful. Also there were lawyers who could advise on future paths and took questions. There were also opportunities for mature students and people who were coming into law at a later age, for example, to discuss their career. Support was excellent overall.

Reimbursed food expenses (Just Eat vouchers) and the original internship info said we would have been reimbursed travel fares if we had to travel (though obviously this did not happen in the end). Was paid for the week's work too, which was very generous as it did not feel like taxing work, felt very enjoyable and interesting instead!

Various networking and meeting opportunities. For example, a fun quiz with the trainees- here we were split into groups, and it was nice to meet our team members. Obviously, in the offices, there would have been more networking opportunities, but I think the firm did their best and I felt included and 'social' throughout.

Enjoyable, not at all stuffy. Felt very relaxed to be talking to people from a diverse range of backgrounds. There would have been more opportunities in the office, but the team did their best and created some great social events. It was nice to work on a group project with my team as well, as this offered a social opportunity, in getting to know my teammates.

Yes, we were offered insight into some of the activities. For example, we learnt that there is a choir and about the dodgeball club, which sounded very entertaining. We were not able to experience any of the activities, but I feel we gained a good insight into the ones DLA Piper offers.

Yes, for sure. It was insightful, interesting and I actually really enjoyed myself. For anyone considering commercial law at DLA Piper, you should definitely apply. The virtual experience largely did not hold it back, so I wouldn't be nervous about that.