Summer Intern Review

The internship began with a comprehensive three-day induction in London, where interns from all UK offices and the Dublin office gathered. This initial induction provided an excellent opportunity to network with peers and gain a broad understanding of the firm's operations and culture.
Following the London induction, we had a brief induction at our home office. During this time, we met our trainee buddies for the first rotation, who would guide us through our initial tasks and responsibilities.
Daily Tasks:
Preparing first drafts of legal documents.
Summarising legal pieces and documents.
Sitting in on calls and meetings, and writing up attendance notes.
Attending court hearings and providing summaries.
Conducting research on new legislation and case law.
Participating in group presentations.
Preparing memos and other legal documents.
Engaging in pro bono work.
Additional Responsibilities:
Preparing for a group presentation to partners, which involved collaborating with fellow interns and presenting our findings and insights.
Completing a written assessment to demonstrate our understanding and application of the knowledge gained during the internship.
This structured approach ensured that we gained a well-rounded experience, combining practical tasks with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

Learning about the various roles within the company was a seamless experience. The timing of the internship coincided with the launch of the company's new strategy, which provided a wealth of information and insights through various talks and events.
Company Strategy:
The launch of the new strategy was a focal point during the internship. We had the opportunity to attend a townhall meeting with DLA's Joint Managing Director for Europe, Daphne Bens. She provided an in-depth explanation of the strategy and its implications for the Dublin office and different practice sectors.
Exposure to Different Roles:
In London, we heard from partners across nearly all practice areas. This exposure was incredibly valuable as it allowed us to understand the diverse scope of work available at DLA. Additionally, we learned about various other roles within the firm, which broadened our perspective on potential career paths.
Overall, the structured approach and the wealth of information provided made it easy to grasp the different roles and the overall business strategy, enhancing our understanding of the firm's operations and opportunities.

Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to both develop new skills and enhance existing ones. Here are some key areas of growth:
Public Speaking and Confidence:
The group presentation to partners significantly developed my public speaking and confidence skills. This experience was invaluable as it provided practical practice and feedback, which I know will be essential for my future career.
Drafting Skills:
I improved my drafting skills by preparing several first drafts of legal documents and memos. This hands-on experience allowed me to understand the nuances of legal writing and the importance of clarity and precision.
These experiences not only enhanced my technical abilities but also boosted my confidence in handling various legal tasks and responsibilities.

To my pleasant surprise, despite the firm's global and large nature, the company culture was incredibly open and friendly. Seniority seemed inapplicable in the office, allowing for easy and approachable communication with everyone. The open-plan office layout facilitated this openness, making it easy to chat with colleagues at all levels.
What stood out the most was how welcoming and friendly everyone was, regardless of how busy they were. People were always open to questions and willing to help, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. This atmosphere made the internship experience not only educational but also enjoyable and engaging.

I extremely enjoyed the insight. The experience was holistic, combining a great variety of work with the opportunity to interact with lovely people. The extra events, such as the Pride Run and the Howth Walk, added a fun and engaging dimension to the internship.
The chance to work with two different teams was particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to experience different kinds of work and broaden my understanding of the firm's operations. Overall, the combination of diverse tasks, supportive colleagues, and enriching events made the internship an incredibly enjoyable and valuable experience.

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