Summer Vacation Scheme Intern Review

We had various presentations from high-level individuals from across the firm, including the Global Co-CEO, Department Heads, Managing Partners, Managing Directors, Partners and heads of the various D&I networks, Responsible Business and Health & Wellbeing. We had chance to ask questions in all of the sessions. We had sessions with the specific office we had applied for to get to know the team better. We also did a group presentation on a business scenario.

I would say that I didn't have as much opportunity to develop new skills as I would have done if the internship had been in the office, as we were not exposed to any real-life office work. However, I learnt a lot about DLA Piper and I developed my existing collaborative skills, as well as my attention to detail, analysis, confidence and public speaking skills in preparation for the group presentation.

It was exciting to hear from Partners who had started off as trainees and that there is clear scope for development within the firm. The various presentations were insightful and provided us with detailed knowledge about how the firm operates, not just in terms of the work provided to clients, but also in terms of the greater good the firm does, as well as the firm's culture.

I could not describe the firm's culture as anything but friendly, enthusiastic and supportive. The entire internship felt like a safe space where you could just be yourself and everyone was down to earth. The firm has a clear motive to encourage diversity and inclusion, as well as the health and wellbeing of their employees, and this was more than reflected throughout the internship. I left each day with high energy and feeling inspired.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was a little concerned about the internship being virtual as I was so excited for the full in-office experience, but my concerns were put at ease from day one. Dominqiue and the rest of the Graduate Recruitment Team have done an amazing job under the tough circumstances and they should be incredibly proud of themselves for this.

Yes

My only tip would be to just be yourself! Of course you need to research the firm thoroughly and ensure it is where you really want to work before you even apply, but from my experience just being friendly, approachable, collaborative and supportive is what seemed to get me my spot on the internship. All the other interns seemed to fit the same mould.