DLA Piper Internship Review

The first week involved free breakfast and networking. Various partners came to talk to us about a range of topics important to DLA Piper, and practice areas. We had litigation workshops and networking sessions with external speakers. The second and third week you get allocated into teams within the firm. They give you a variety of objectives you must aim to meet in 5 days, these were a range of legal skills and tasks.

I have learnt so many skills, both in terms of law and personal development. I have developed confidence in the workplace and gained skills in legal areas such as drafting, advisory notes, legal research, memos and client meetings, publishing legal blog posts, proofreading and the general attitude of a lawyer. I have learnt how to prioritise and learnt how to maintain energy and charisma in the office.

I thought I knew a lot before I entered this internship, but I have learnt so much more just by hearing it from the Partners and Co-chairs of DLA Piper. There is such a range of services and sectors, they really do have everything, with opportunities to learn within this range. I have also learnt what a law firm is as a business and the hierarchy of both in the firm and internationally.

The culture was better than I could have imagined. They say that everyone who works at DLA Piper is friendly and approachable, but you don't believe it until you see it first hand. Everyone wants you to succeed, and we were told repeatedly that we are the "future of the firm" and everyone is helping us to succeed. The trainees were so lovely and helpful (you get a buddy for the 3 weeks).

I loved it. The only part of it which I found challenging in the negative sense was getting up and working - after university it is hard to get back into the swing of a 9-5 job, yet this is consistent within all jobs. DLA Piper are not only there to help, to aid your learning and to give you opportunities, but is also there to allow you to make friends and network- to feel comfortable.

Yes

Honestly just be yourself. That's what they're looking for. they're looking for how YOU fit into the firm and with other people- so smile, laugh, have FUN, and learn whenever you get an opportunity to. Also ask loads of questions (there are NEVER silly questions), they love that. Connect with partners and whoever specialises in your interests and start a conversation about the internship and the application process- they would love that.