Vacation Scheme Student Review
at DLA Piper
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Commercial Law
Leeds
Review Submitted: July 2021
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
4.3/5
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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.
There were numerous talks scheduled each day which we were required to attend such as introduction to the various practice areas at DLA, the various employee networks and affinity groups and talks about the firms radical change agenda and embrace of technology.
We also had to complete a group task which was given to us in the middle of the week. This involved pitching to a number of partners as a team. Therefore, we spent numerous afternoons completing group work.
We also had to complete a group task which was given to us in the middle of the week. This involved pitching to a number of partners as a team. Therefore, we spent numerous afternoons completing group work.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
There was a very comprehensive overview of the business provided by DLA Piper.
This involved talks that went beyond simply legal areas of the business, such as talks about the firms agenda to embrace technological change and talks on climate change.
I think everyone on the scheme was aware of the route to becoming a trainee solicitor, but it was insightful to hear from a range of people from trainees right through to the CEO.
This involved talks that went beyond simply legal areas of the business, such as talks about the firms agenda to embrace technological change and talks on climate change.
I think everyone on the scheme was aware of the route to becoming a trainee solicitor, but it was insightful to hear from a range of people from trainees right through to the CEO.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
4/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
I did not learn loads of new skills but definitely developed my listening ability, team-working ability. Furthermore, this experience definitely helped expand my knowledge of commercial law and the legal industry more generally.
This experience was also invaluable for developing personal skills which will undoubtedly be of use later in my career. In particular, I learnt how to network effectively with a range of senior people in the firm which is necessary to progress through the business.
This experience was also invaluable for developing personal skills which will undoubtedly be of use later in my career. In particular, I learnt how to network effectively with a range of senior people in the firm which is necessary to progress through the business.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
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
4/5
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 and general atmosphere was generally very friendly, supportive and engaging.
The week was primarily led by the Graduate Recruitment Team who were adept at making everyone feel comfortable and included. As the primary point of contact, they were always knowledgeable about what was going on and able to direct us.
Otherwise, the general atmosphere seemed great. DLA Piper had various initiatives which seemed to prioritise employee well being and diversity and inclusion.
The week was primarily led by the Graduate Recruitment Team who were adept at making everyone feel comfortable and included. As the primary point of contact, they were always knowledgeable about what was going on and able to direct us.
Otherwise, the general atmosphere seemed great. DLA Piper had various initiatives which seemed to prioritise employee well being and diversity and inclusion.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I enjoyed the insight a massive amount. I had been on previous programmes which were not as structured as DLA Piper. I thought the big strength of the programme was that there was a full-day of talks and activities planned every day which meant it was easy to stay engaged and feel as if DLA Piper genuinely valued our insight.
I also enjoyed working as part of the group and it was great to get to know fellow interns on the programme.
I also enjoyed working as part of the group and it was great to get to know fellow interns on the programme.
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
Interview and assessment centre advice - I think they value people who have personality and can bring something different. At the assessment centre ensure you include the rest of the members in the group interview and be prepared to speak about yourself with many relevant examples during the partner interview.
Practice the Watson Glaser test as it seems DLA put a lot of emphasis on this for deciding in who moves forward.
On the internship, embrace everything, go in with an open mind and ask as many questions as possible.
Practice the Watson Glaser test as it seems DLA put a lot of emphasis on this for deciding in who moves forward.
On the internship, embrace everything, go in with an open mind and ask as many questions as possible.
