Summer Internship 2022 Review

The first week was dedicated for induction, combining over 100 interns in London from offices across all of the UK, Ireland and Dubai. Additionally, we had many talks from DLA's senior members, interactive Q&A sessions and skill-building workshops. The 2nd and 3rd weeks were spent in two different departments, working in a team of partners, associates and trainees, and helping them with their day-to-day tasks.

The vacation scheme was designed in a way to allow us to develop some new skills and improve the old ones. During the first week in particular I improved my networking, listening, teamwork skills. Additionally, during my 2nd and 3rd week I improved my analysis, attention to detail, independent research, legal drafting skills. Throughout the whole time we were encouraged to be curious, open-minded and flexible.

The graduate recruitment team, as well as the legal teams in the departments, made it really easy for us to understand all about the business and potential roles available. The way the programme was designed contributed a lot to it - it was made sure that the programme would cover all the necessary aspects, and the sessions would build on each other. The legal teams were really open and keen to answer any questions.

The company encourages a good work/life balance. There are plenty of initiatives and peoples networks, ranging from gender, cultural to interest-based, to get involved in. There were multiple dinners and department drinks organised, providing additional opportunities to socialise. The company cares about its communities and that is shown in the way they advocate ESGs in not only when providing legal advice, but also in the way they operate as a company on a day to day basis.

I very much enjoyed my vacation scheme with DLA. Both of the teams I worked with within Corporate and Litigation departments made me feel extremely welcome, took their time getting to know me, assigning me tasks and giving the feedback. The grad recruitment team put a lot of effort in making sure everything runs according to plan and keeping us informed. The fellow interns were really nice, too - I believe the scheme allowed me to not only appreciate the firm even more than before, but also to make long-term friends and connections. I hope to get a chance to go back here and become a more permanent member of the DLA team.

Yes

Make sure to talk to people there to understand the culture, the firm, and whether it would be a great fit for you - everyone is really open and ready to have those conversations. Commercial awareness is important, so stay up to date with the developments happening in the sectors that DLA focusses one. Attend insight days, online events with the firm before applying for the Vac Scheme. Once on a vac scheme, make sure to make the most of your time there - say yes to opportunities, coffee chats, work, asking questions.