Virtual Insight Day Review

I really enjoy the virtual experience because of a few reasons: I managed to learn more about the firm's strategy and its expansion projects etc. Listening to partner Esther gave me many insights into the firm's decision-making process across its global offices. I also enjoy the commercial exercise workshop because I have never really had it before in a virtual setting so I think it prepares attendees on what to expect when it comes to a virtual assessment day.

To a large extent, I feel valued because of the ability to ask questions to different members of the firm, including partners, trainees, graduate recruitment, etc. I think that really shows how much the firm values our understanding and a genuine sense of support for people who want to start their careers at Dentons. Most of the time, they are more than happy to answer any questions that attendees have. The supportive culture makes me feel valued.

I gained insight into the firm's work, the training, what type of work are trainees involved in. At the commercial exercise session, I like the fact that we had trainees alongside to ensure that we were given sufficient support throughout. In our negotiation exercise, the trainees were also there to observe and to give feedback on our performance as well as our negotiation process. The feedback, in my point of view, is an important support to ensure that I improve my performance in future.

Taking the commercial exercise as an example, I believe the negotiation exercise was a really important element to my career as a lawyer in the future because I will always have to negotiate with various counterparties in making deals or resolving disputes. As I did not have substantive experience in negotiation I do think that the negotiation exercise allowed me to gain experience and to see how important it is to build effective communication skills to prepare myself for a successful career in commercial law.

I believe it was well structured to give attendees a wide range of exposure. We got to start off with an ice-breaker session, partner's presentation, commercial exercise, and application skills session. All of them gave me an understanding of the firm from different perspectives. I particularly like the fact that they included breaks in between sessions to ensure that everyone is as refreshed and energised as possible in every session. That is very beneficial to help focus on each session.

I would say the overall ambience is friendly and pleasant because people are friendly enough to answer our questions. Attendees are also generally sociable. It is intense only when necessary, in particular, in the negotiation exercise because we had to reach an agreement to uphold our clients' conflicting interests. That was when things got a bit more intense but right after everyone reached an agreement, we were able to interact with each other comfortably. I very much enjoyed it.

I personally think that I was able to learn new negotiation skills because of the commercial exercise available and that, to me, shows how much the firm is aiming to improve attendees' skills before going to an assessment centre. To me, that shows that the firm cares and intends to invest in me. However, apart from that, as it is a virtual insight event which is a brief event, there isn't much opportunity to develop further.

I believe to a certain extent it was helpful because there were times we listened to the partners and the trainees speak about their work at the firm. I think that is valuable. Nonetheless, had there been more time for individual networking with other members of the firm/small breakout rooms to talk to members of the firm, I think I will be able to gain more insights into the firm's work and how it would be like to train and have a long-term career there.

Not much due to the lack of individual networking session.

Not applicable because I participated after having decided on my future career path.

I think yes but rather limited, potentially because of the nature of the event. We had the opportunity to speak to trainees but only in the breakout room when we were preparing for the negotiation exercise. Apart from that, we did not have much opportunity to speak to members of the firm individually. I think that is something which could be better by giving more 5-minutes breakout room sessions. By that, we could speak to more members of the firm.

Not applicable as the opportunities were very limited.

Yes, to a certain extent, because we got to hear about the annual pro bono involvement by the members of the firm. That is something outside of normal billable commercial work which really appeals to me because it shows that it is something that employees can voluntarily get involved in. Also, I also heard about the various diversity networks and events organised by these networks to celebrate the firm's diversity and inclusion. These demonstrated that Dentons is a firm that is not just all about work

Yes, I would definitely recommend the virtual experience to someone who is applying to the firm because I think it gives the opportunity to know members of the firm. On top of that, the opportunity to ask questions freely will really help to clarify any confusion that an attendee has with regards to the firm. I also think that hearing about the application process will prevent any unnecessary mistakes from being made. Thus, I will suggest joining this virtual insight day.