Summer Intern Review

Completing tasks that trainee solicitors would commonly perform (eg drafting documents, researching and presenting information in a client-friendly manner, calling clients with enquiries, sitting in on meetings). Involved a lot of internal interaction (eg asking people questions about their job, meeting people from other departments). There was also a group presentation project, and we had to plan preparation for that around our other commitments, meeting as groups to go over the material and refine our scripts.

The two skills I have developed the most are: (1) Efficiently navigating complex legal documents; and (2) Presenting information in a concise, client-friendly manner. I have also developed my oral presentation and collaboration skills, through working on the group project (eg focusing on presenting my information clearly and concisely). Furthermore, I have learned a lot about how a law firm operates as a business, and the type of client issues it deals with on a regular basis.

The more I learned about the firm, the more excited I was about potentially being able to work there in the future. The firm's friendly and supportive nature is something that was stressed to us from the outset, and has been obvious to see from working there. Also, it has been exciting to hear about all of the unique opportunities at the firm (eg working on complex disputes that other firms simply don't have the capability to advise on).

Very friendly - generally, people would have their office doors open and would be delighted to chat to you about anything. In fact, we were even actively encouraged to do this and talk to as many people in our department as we could. Similarly, people were always willing to help you; I was set work by a variety of different people during the internship, and they would always take the time to properly explain the work to you, and assist you with any difficulties you had with it.

I really enjoyed it - it confirmed to me that this is the sort of work I would like to do, and that I would like to do it in an environment like the firm's. Everyone I met, including the other interns, was really friendly and supportive, which made working in the office enjoyable. The work was challenging but rewarding, and I really felt like I was learning a lot with each task I completed and each piece of feedback I received.

Yes

Apply early, because the applications close on a rolling basis (but I think this is a good thing - DLA was the first firm I heard back from, and by beating other firms to offering internships, they maximise their chances of securing the best talent early). Aside from this, don't stress too much - they are judging your personality and whether you would fit in with their culture just as much (if not more) than they are judging your competence. So the best thing you can do is be relaxed and friendly.