Summer Internship Review
at DLA Piper
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
Leeds
Review Submitted: October 2023
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Experience
4.8/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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Company Culture
5/5
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Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
The cohort was allocated two seats in order of preference. We were very much involved in client work and able to complete drafting, due-diligence, note-taking and reviewing tasks as well as attending internal meetings as well as client-meetings. The first week of the internship is also spent in the London head office where you can interact with interns from other offices. There is also a presentation which must be completed as a group.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was incredibly useful. During our induction week we were able to learn about the firm's business structure and what the International Training Programme actually involved. What was really emphasised to us throughout the internship is that the interns for them represented the future of the firm and hope that we would stay on if we received a training contract and beyond that. That really stood out to me.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I have developed my written and oral communication skills which I have been able to use in my degree through doing the presentation and completing the large variety of legal tasks. I was also able to develop my teamwork skills and my leadership skills throughout these tasks. I learnt how to draft legal documents and was given invaluable feedback from my supervisors and other trainees.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
4/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture was really friendly which I was surprised by considering how big the firm is. Everyone was friendly and very willing to help. I was also able to get involved in extra-curricular activities within the firm such as weekly yoga classes even though I was only there for a short period of time. I felt very supported and that the people around me wanted me to develop my skills and improve.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I really enjoyed the entire experience. The induction in London was very sociable and a great way to learn about the firm. The highlight for me was working alongside other employees on very current, commercial matters. I felt very much a part of the firm on the internship and enjoyed the socials as much as the work. The Graduate Recruitment were also very supportive and ensured we had accommodation and food.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was paid
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at DLA Piper
5/5
Would you recommend DLA Piper to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to DLA Piper
Be yourself! The firm really likes authentic and genuine people who are eager to learn. I would also say think about the type of law firm you would like to apply to and if a large international firm would suit you. Time manage appropriately and take your time with the tasks to ensure you're producing high quality work. Get involved with the firm events and get to know the people who work there.
