RateMyPlacement
The experience was so insightful about the firm as a whole, outlining the vast array of unique opportunities presented to trainees in the form of Pro Bono projects to International Secondments. I was particularly impressed by the fantastic work of Iris and the effort they have made to ensure that everyone can thrive within DLA Piper.
The one-week Virtual Summer Internship consisted mostly of listening to presentations by senior partners at the firm and asking questions. There was also a group presentation that was prepared throughout the week and delivered on the final day.
As this is a virtual internship, we attend many different talks from the leaders of DLA Piper everyday via zoom call. They are also a group presentation so we have the opportunity to work with other interns. We also have a social event, zoom quiz session on the first day.
There were numerous talks scheduled each day which we were required to attend such as introduction to the various practice areas at DLA, the various employee networks and affinity groups and talks about the firms radical change agenda and embrace of technology. We also had to complete a group task which was given to us in the middle of the week. This involved pitching to a number of partners as a team. Therefore, we spent numerous afternoons completing group work.
The week was predominantly made up of zoom presentations from people across the firm. From these session we were provided with insights into vary facets of DLA Piper including the matrix structure, it’s commitment to D&I and CSR as well as its coverage across the globe. Additionally, we also prepared a group presentation throughout the week and presented it on the final day.
Numerous talks by UK, Ireland and Middle East managing partners, trainees, representatives from the ProBono practice, those involved in CSR, Diversity and Inclusion and Employee Networks initiatives. Interactive sessions with Edinburgh Managing Partner, Trainee Partner and other Edinburgh interns throughout the week. Completed group presentation, written task and partner interview at end of week as assessment for traineeship.
Listening to presentations from members of staff and engaging in group work in preparation for an end of week assessed presentation.
Daily tasks were quite varied. Initial stages of the internship entailed induction style events, networking and social events, and presentations about the firm. Towards the middle of the week, we were assigned our assessed tasks, and a great deal of time was spent on preparing for the same. However, throughout the scheme, we were afforded office-specific networking sessions as well as practice-based and non-legal insights into various aspects of DLA Piper's global business.
The internship gave insight into DLA Piper's business and culture. The mornings mainly involved talks with different members of the firm, from the Global CEO to current trainees. The majority of the afternoons involved working in a group with other interns from the office we had applied to. This work involved preparing a pitch presentation to partners on the final day of the internship. Assessment also included a written task.
Virtual (Covid-19). Online networking opportunities and insights into DLA Piper.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this internship took place virtually for one week, rather than the usual 3 weeks in person. It was filled with various talks, an opportunity to network with individuals within various practice areas and a group project.
- Attending presentations and workshops - Participating in Q&A sessions - Attending Office-specific presentations and workshops - Attending networking events - Preparing and presenting a group project
The summer internship was great! We had a mix of presentations from senior members of the firm, which demonstrated that future trainees are valued. We also had the chance to network with partners, associates and trainees from our chosen office on several occasions, which was also very useful, as it provided a deeper understanding of their practice groups. We also had a pitch group exercise - great way to interact with future colleagues.
Session with CEO & Managing partner Overview of DLA Piper Intro into D&I Overview of Responsible Business Office Welcome Welcome & Top tips with UK country Managing Partner Trainee Panel Ireland Office Overview DLA Piper employee networks UAE Office Overview Intro into Health & Wellbekng As well as a group project
I attended several informative and amazing sessions which Graduate recruitment organised. These involved session by <span>[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]</span>. The sessions gave me insight into how the firm operates as a business and its several employee networks which create an inclusive environment. Throughout the week, we also worked on a group project to deliver a presentation.
There were talks by a wide range of partners each day regarding different elements of working at the firm, such as its CSR, well-being practices, and opportunities. A large part of the week was spent completing the group assignment which was enjoyable and managed well. Office specific sessions allowed you to meet and network with other people who had applied to the same office. It also allowed you to meet the office managing partner.
Listening to Zoom presentations and one group task.
It was mostly speakers and presentations, as well as some fun networking. It was interactive and we got lots of opportunities to ask questions.
The week consisted of talks by various members of the firm. We were also arranged into teams to create and deliver a presentation at the end of the week.
We spent a lot of the time listening to presentations from different employees of the firm, from Trainees to Partners. As well as this, we had allocated time to work on a group project that we had to present on the Friday.
