Summer Intern Review

Cannot thank the team at DLA enough for this opportunity. I've been involved in some truly fantastic, international work, which is extremely rare in Scotland, and it has helped me to decide on what I want to do with my career. Mostly I just can't wait to come back.

During the networking and application process with the firm every effort was made to make you feel respected. Decisions are communicated promptly. While on placement senior leaders would mingle with us, partners would make us tea, and there was not one person that was unapproachable.

Some 2 months prior to commencing the internship I was given a buddy, a trainee in my office. I was able to communicate with them over all the little fears that build up before you kick off. Grad Rec and line managers were also amazing, really make you feel safe!

I had no idea what a projects department would do before the internship. Now I'd quite like to take a seat in one. I've analysed contracts, presented a pitch to partners, and completed work genuinely beneficial to the firm. I am far more secure in my ability.

Fantastic structure, with a UK wide induction in London and then 2 seats lasting 1 week afterward, for a total of 3 weeks. Grad rec constantly kept in touch with updates and events, and we were always kept busy.

Absolutely amazing. I feel at home with DLA, everyone here from Global Co-CEO to trainee and all support staff are critical, respectful, and just really friendly. It feels like a massive team effort at every level, and it was wonderful to be a part of.

The put all non London students up in London for the first week. We were spoken to about commercial issues and legal issues by senior leaders, given sessions on personal branding and public speaking, and prepared for what was ahead of us.

Because the office was busy I felt as through the work I was completing was genuinely of use to the firm and was rewarded accordingly. There is a real team atmosphere, everyone is very friendly, so despite the long hours I enjoyed it!

The culture at DLA is a real melting pot of different backgrounds and opinions, but that makes it a pretty special place to work. Everyone makes an effort to get to know everyone else, and the firm put on regular socials to assist this.

Being at DLA has helped confirm for me my desire to be an international business lawyer. The challenge and variety of the work even at this level is outstanding, those around you provide ample help, and explain to you just how far reaching your work will be.

I was given travel expenses to and from my interview, travel expenses to and from London for week one, accommodation and food expenses while in London during week 1, a daily lunch allowance of £5 while in Edinburgh, and a generous weekly salary on top of that.

We spent the first week with our UK wide peer group, the firm's current London trainees, the firm's senior UK and international leadership, and the amazing grad rec team. Every effort was made to make us feel included and everyone is approachable. Some strong bonds have been formed in the course of my time at DLA, no doubt vital bonds to my future.

Aside from the first week, we were taken to dinner in London, dinner in Edinburgh, sent for drinks in Edinburgh with the trainees, and invited to the office mid month drinks. This was in addition to being invited to play touch rugby with the trainees, and regularly sitting with them during lunches.

We were given a comprehensive introduction to the various groups at the firm, from LAW and IRIS to their football and rugby teams. There's a friendly atmosphere at the firm fostered by out of office activities.

I could not recommend the experience anymore, or at least not in any eloquent way. My advice is limited to just applying, it's not something you'll regret.