First Year Insight Programme Review

DLA Piper’s First Year Insight Programme was thouroughly enjoyable. It gave a real insight into the day-to-day work that goes on in the various practice departments as well as internationally. The interactive sessions provided a real opportunity to affirm the work and gave us a taster of doing it ourselves which was great. They really got us thinking and working together!

I felt very much valued. The hospitality and the general friendliness of everyone we met from DLA Piper was simply amazing. They welcomed us straight away and put everyone at ease. This was hugely beneficial as it meant everyone got involved at some point and we’re comfortable doing so.

There was endless guidance and support throughout the entirety of the three days. Whether it was answering an individual question or facilitating workshops, the staff were enthusiastic and informative. There was ample opportunity to ask questions to a multitude of staff at various levels and stages of their careers. No question was too big or too small.

The skills I developed and the information I received will certainly be of assistance beyond my studies. My networking and presenting skills were developed by practical and engaging sessions. They will be invaluable when it comes to assessment centres I am sure. The information in regards to route to qualification and CVs will also be highly useful as it is exactly the information I needed in order to continue persuing a profession in the legal field.

The Programme was very well structured. There was never a time when we were sitting waiting for too long nor was here a time when we had nothing to do! Nobody got lost or was confused as to what was going to happen next. The booklet with the itinerary and identification of everyone was put together well and very useful.

Straight from the get go I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed and fun the atmosphere were. The graduate recruitment team were friendly and entertaining and it soon became clear that this is the general vibe running throughout all levels at DLA - even the partners provided presentations that had everyone laughing.

The firm very much invested in my own personal training and development. The programme provided multiple workshops and sessions which helped improve a variety of skills from networking to deal-making and presenting. The openness of those that gave talks also provided additional opportunities for development as we were able to ask many a question.

The programme provided and excellent insight into what it would be like to have a full-time role within the firm. Partners, associates and trainees alike, from a range of practice area. each detailed their day-to-day activities and shared their viewed and opinions on what it was like to work there.

The insight helped gravely in understanding DLA Pipers’ culture. It is diverse and inclusive. Indeed, while it is clear that the staff at DLA Piper work hard, nobody felt overworked or unsupported. The firm provides lots of opportunities to be involved in such as pro bono projects. there was a strong sense of community at all levels.

Hugely valuable, it really did give a clear insight into the realities of working in a large global law firm. With talks from staff from a wide variety of practice areas, it was easy to gain an appreciation of what sounded interesting and intrginuing to you as an individual. It was also useful in terms of going forward with the application process in future.

Reimbursed travel expenses and provided with accommodation. There was also a very large amount of food provided frequently.

Opportunities were almost endless. Specific lunch and dinner networking opportunities provided the chance to meet with trainees and associates and ask them questions. There was also a ‘speed networking’ workshop, where each table spent five minutes with an individual from each practice area who shared their own insights, experiences and advice.