Student Review

by DLA Piper

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4/5
  • About You
    4.3
  • The Company
    4.3
  • Everything Else
    3.4

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • I enjoyed the learning aspect of the scheme gaining an insight into the different practice areas. The programme provided many learning opportunities and allowed me to connect with people from different universities across the UK. It allowed to me to ask burning questions I had about the legal profession that were answered with detailed insight.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • The firm made us feel valued. Members of graduate recruitment took the time to speak with people making us feel welcomed. The programme gave us insight into the workings of a large commercial law firm and this information was delivered to us by senior partners who are busy people. For them to take the time out of their busy schedule to talk to us about their journey in law and allowing us to ask questions whether that be personal or business related provided us with a great experience.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • We were guided well. Before the programme we were informed by the details of the programme through emails. Graduate recruitment also guided us in terms of getting to places and what time to be back at the law firm for over the next couple of days. As for the programme itself we were guided by trainees who took an active part in helping us in the interactive sessions.

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • The DLA Piper will help me in a lot of ways. It has provided me with amazing learning opportunities and a new set of friends people that I have connected with through social media. The information i received was helpful and will most definitely help especially the CV workshops that we participated in. I developed many skills such as communication, team working and confidence.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • It was structured well. There was an itinerary of the entire three days the talks were well structured and were given in a timely manner. Breaks were given at the appropriate times and the insight programme gave us many opportunities to meet new people over networking lunches and dinners. Although the days were long in terms of hours they were enjoyable and time did fly by.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • Very Friendly. It can be daunting going to an insight programme at such a highly respected law firm however the insight programme allowed us to have informal and relaxed conversations with trainees and senior members of the firm. From the beginning to the very end of the programme the graduate recruitment team eased us into to the programme, making us feel welcome which formed a relaxing environment to learn and work in.

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • They have fast tracked us into vacation scheme positions which helps a great amount. In terms of personal training they have enhanced my own skills and development by showing me the pathways to law and they have invested in us in showing us different aspects of the law. Not just practical however building relationships and connecting with colleagues.

    5/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • It did slightly. The trainees that were on hand to speak with us during networking events gave us an insight into what it would be like and what they have recently faced in terms of going through the recruitment process and interviews. Also the discussions with partners and senior associates did give us a fair amount of insight int the breadth and the workload that they have.

    4/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • It helped a great deal. We spoke to many members from different hierarchies within the firm and the culture was the same. There still remains a competitiveness to win cases and do whats best for the clients. The insight scheme in three days allowed us to gain an understanding of what DLA Piper expects from its employees

    4/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • It was very valuable. Across the three days i met different types of people and employees and partners at DLA Piper who were working on the law currently - they gave us an insight into their own respective working days which made me think about what i would expect working in that setting.

    5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • Reimbursement of up to £100 consisted of rail-fare of one return journey to and from their London office and underground travel. Petrol and Parking would also be reimbursed. The reimbursement is adequate as DLA Piper inform you around 1 month in advance about whether you have been successful in your application for the scheme. This gives plenty of time to book your travel in advance to gain a reasonable price of rail-fare.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • Yes there were networking dinners and lunches which was great. It was informal yet insightful. It allowed us to ask members of the firm about their journey to law and their own experiences. On the second day of the programme we were invited to an Italian restaurant which was formal and delightful. This gave us the chance to meet with different people on the scheme.

    3/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • Great. The events consisted of food and beverages. I remember the networking event which consisted of pizza which was held in a room that overlooked London which was a nice sight. There was a good ratio of trainees to insight scheme participants and this means that we could all have an informal chat with at least one member of the firm

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • Very Little. I would like to ask that question myself as law can be very demanding with long hours and therefore employees would need to a chance to rest and gain some fresh air. The firm is moving to a new building that has a gym which one member of the graduate recruitment team was happy about so i suppose it will allow employees a chance to workout and blow off some steam.

    2/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • Yes Indeed - the insight scheme is open up to many people also those from a non law background so I would ensure that friends who were studying law or interested in the law studying a different degree were made aware of the insight scheme offered by DLA Piper because it is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and see the law outside of the textbooks.

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

North West

April 2018


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