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Virtual Insight Programme Review

at DLA Piper

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law

Bristol

Review Submitted: April 2021

Overall Rating

4.5 /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 - Overview of Experience
4.5/5 - Skills Development
4.3/5 - Company Culture
4.5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Recommendations and Advice

Overview of Experience

Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
I was given an insight into the general characteristics of law firms and into DLA Piper's specific practice groups. Each day contained around three main sessions covering career motivation, pro bono, diversity and inclusion, application skills, and business strategy and strengths. Also included one trainee spotlight session per day enabling one trainee to discuss their backstory and current work in detail.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The potential roles available at DLA Piper sold themselves. On understanding the business, I got the impression of a cross-border legal career working with a broad range of quality clients in offices which are equally strong globally. The firm did not help me understand this in a forced way, but rather through facts and honest insights from its managing staff.
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 feel more motivated to pursue a career in commercial law and better understand the industry. I was also able to carry out some mock trainee tasks through Forage, from due diligence to drafting client emails, which improved my commercial awareness and potential to succeed as a trainee solicitor at DLA Piper.
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?
5/5
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?
Graduate recruitment seemed to genuinely know most of the trainees and even senior lawyers, which was certainly a good indication of the firm's friendliness. I did not get the impression of an overly aggressive law firm, but DLA Piper still has a clear growth strategy and a determination to get where it wants to be. The 'upstart' sense of the firm suggested less bureaucracy than at more traditional, older firms.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
3/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
Although I would have liked more chances to interact with the firm's representatives, for example by networking in a breakout room, I thoroughly enjoyed the insight. It met my expectations to learn more about the firm and the profession more generally, and I would definitely like to return for a further placement. This is testament to the interesting and varied insights given by the speakers in each session.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was reimbursed expenses

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
Ensure that you exhaustively research the firm, particularly for vacation scheme and training contract applications. It definitely helps to have a first-hand insight so do meet the firm at networking events etc if you can. That way, you can better see how your values fit with the firm and emphasise why you are a good match accordingly. You could emphasise the firm's global network, Corporate strength, inclusive culture, and pro bono commitments.
In This Review
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