Vacation Student Review

The first week was quite average, although there was varied work. The second week (in a different department) was absolutely fantastic, with the opportunity to get involved with some really interesting and important new work (despite only being a vac-schemer).

Everybody at the firm was friendly, and the vast majority seemed very enthusiastic about the work they were doing. Everybody made a real effort to get to know the vac-schemers, despite the departmetn being very busy. At no point did I feel like spare wheel, as can be the case at some other firms. Indeed, even once the scheme was finished, I bumped into a couple of the people I had met there outside the office, and both seemed genuinely interested in talking to me and asking how I was getting on etc.

At some points it did feel a little like being dropped in at the deep end, but support was always readily available, and at no point did I feel put-off asking for guidance.

Although the majority of the work and activities were fairly standard, we also received interesting career-progression talks from people at every level of the firm. Indeed, everybody from trainees to partners were also willing to give advice on a one-to-one basis.

DLA avoided falling into the trap of putting all the trainee-talks etc on on one day. The placement was well broken-up, with time split between the two different departments to which we were allocated, tours of the building, and talks from various members of staff. Having two weeks within the firm also gave the opportunity to become familiar with people and departments. There was also the opportunity for a court visit on the final day. My only criticism would be that the firm perhaps goes a little over the top as regards social events, and it sometimes felt that it was impossible to get away!

The work was often very interesting, and was interspersed with other enjoyable activities. However, it did become a bit relentless over the two weeks when the various social events are taken into account. This is especially true for those of us who commuted in.

You got a real sense, throughout the placement, that DLA were interested in getting to know you. They clearly value thier recruitment process highly.

The ethos and ambition of the firm were evident throughout, and, through spending a week each at two different departments, it was possible to gain a good impression of the type of work trainees typically get involved with.

DLA prides itself on its progression and ability to have both regional and global focus. This came across very strongly during the placement, and I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to get involved with projects which had a global aspect.

£240 per week.

As is stated, if anything, there were too many social events.

Interesting and angaging, but perhaps too often, especially over the course of a placement which lasts two weeks anyway.

People who I was sat with were very willing to talk about their social activities (both those connected to work and those not). Again, people were surprisingly willing.

The best vac scheme I've been on.