Summer Internship Review

Fantastic 3 weeks gaining insight into DLA Piper. The experience was filled with ample opportunity to learn about life at the firm and as a trainee at the firm.

I felt valued and welcomed in both London and Manchester to a great extent - from Graduate Recruitment to trainees to associates to partners etc. The culture was more than welcoming and I never felt like a burden, but that I could ask questions I needed to ask and approach people to find out more about life at the firm.

I had been assigned a 'buddy' in the regional office, who was there to help with any immediate queries, and my line managers for any other issues. The trainees were also happy to answer any questions about life at the firm, giving honest insight into their experiences. Both made the experience much more comfortable. Graduate Recruitment also assisted with any questions or queries through the process.

Every part of the scheme was structured, meaning we knew what we were doing everyday from the start of each week. Graduate Recruitment printed us a handout of the vacation scheme schedule, so we for the most part could plan ahead. Dinners and networking events were aligned with the sessions organised, meaning everything had balance. The firm made great effort to make us feel comfortable.

Extremely friendly, motivating and welcoming culture.

Spotlight sessions and daily video conferences meant that we were constantly learning new things or concepts, regardless of the office in which we interned. The inclusion of talks from motivational speakers and Co-CEO/Managing Directors contributed to an atmosphere of enthusiasm, investment and personal growth. We had a 'buddy' to refer to with questions and a line manager for more formal queries. Financially, the firm invested in travel expenses, accommodation and food

Instead of just shadowing a lawyer, we got to partake in typical trainee tasks. For me, this was much more valuable as it allowed the opportunity to honestly gauge whether or not I enjoy such tasks, and if so, whether i enjoy them at this firm. In one seat, I helped the team on real presentations that they were planning, which was a unique opportunity. Contributions and questions were welcomed rather than frowned upon. In my second seat, my line manager had thoughtfully planned out mock activities for me that the department's trainee had already completed, so that I could both experience life as a trainee more authentically and also to taster my competency at the role to complete. This also allowed me to compare my work against the trainee's - to learn from it. The variety between insight and practical work has helped create an authentic picture into the key aspects of roles in different sectors

The 3 weeks gave a great insight into the friendly culture at DLA and an awareness into how the firm is structured. I experienced the culture at both the London and Manchester offices, and both were as motivating and welcoming. The global outreach aspect of the firm has been particularly exciting to learn about

It was extremely valuable! I feel content that commercial law is what I would like to pursue and more than happy with my decision to choose to train at DLA Piper. Experiencing working in both London and Manchester was also very useful, as Manchester is where i would like to be based. Previously, I had worried that the type of work available here would be different to that of 'the city'. In fact, i found the opposite to be true and the work was shared out across offices due to DLA's one UK approach. I look forward to working for a leading global business law firm

Excellent. Travel train fair to London/back (one return journey) was reimbursed Hotel accommodation was covered by the firm Lunches and breakfasts were covered by the firm during the firm Certain dinners were also reimbursed The scheme was very accessible to all and to people from all different backgrounds and locations

Yes. The firm made a conscious effort to ensure we were always either hearing from new people or meeting them. In Manchester, the training partners organised for trainee/intern socials. We all had a buddy to whom we could ask any questions, and also a line manager. Various events both at the firm and outside were organised

I enjoyed all socials and appreciated the efforts/expenses that went into organizing them as everybody was extremely friendly. There could have been more non-alcoholic options. The firm made an effort to keep us involved and there felt like an emphasis on constantly getting to know more people, allowing for an authentic insight into the firm's culture and its staff's experiences. It reflected well on the firm.

Yes. The Manchester trainees had a range of initiatives that they got involved with, such as netball, cricket, yoga, choir etc. This all built into the idea that there is plenty to get involved with. Additionally, there was also a cohort of pro-bono opportunities to engage with. It was great to get the chance to talk to trainees and associates about their involvement in these activities - as many firms claim to have them, but it was positive to see DLA employees actually engaging with the opportunities. It showed a good work life balance

Definitely! Both the insight scheme and Internship have now proved that DLA is a welcoming, motivating and diverse place to work - with ample opportunity for personal and professional growth. Graduate Recruitment have invested lots of time (evidently) in the planning of the scheme and the firm's employees were excellent in the execution of this. I felt welcomed, not a burden and had the opportunity to work in 2 real departments at a world leading global business law firm. Definitely apply