DLA Piper Insight Programme 2022 Review

Got to sit in on meetings with colleagues in other offices to discuss ongoing matters. Drafted emails to clients, even emails to other solicitors, interpreted legislation to answer various queries from clients, and got to write articles and summaries for the website. Provided with an insight into how to approach various tasks and how to be more client centric. The teamwork was very insightful and collaboration was evident with everything we did because people weren't afraid to pitch in and help when someone was stuck on a matter. It was also very much encouraged to seek out your colleagues and get some help if you can't seem to find an answer to something. There were many fun socials and activities also planned, I got to join the PRIDE run one of the mornings and we also went on a Howth walk which was a great time. The events were also a great way for us to talk to people from other departments.

It was really insightful because the partners and associates told us about the various clients that they work for. I was able to get an understanding of the advisory and also the transactional side of things thanks to being able to rotate to another department after the first two weeks. This give me a wider view as to how DLA Piper operates and what each persons role is. Being given hands on experience with client matters really gave me a good understanding as to how the business operates. The induction in London was also very insightful as we got to hear from various speakers about the role of ESG and Pro Bono in DLA Piper, it gave us a very good understanding of the business and foundation before starting in the Dublin office.

I developed my presentation skills as we had a project to present. My critical thinking skills improved as I had to analyse various matters through a different lens, rather than how I would have done it in university. I got better at time-management as I had various meetings scheduled in my calendar but then was also working on various matters also. I further developed my self-awareness as it was important for me to always be aware of my capacity otherwise I would have accepted every task and not every task would have been completed in time. The internship really allowed me to further work on my communication as it was an important skill for every day at the office.

Everyone was super welcoming, I found out pretty quickly during my first day that everyone is very approachable and wants to get to know the interns better. People were extremely understanding and patient when they walked me through any new tasks and made sure that I was prepared for them. By the end of the first week I already felt like I was a part of the team and as though I had been there for ages because everyone was very inviting and friendly. This made it easier for me to approach partners and associates and ask them questions about their role and their work.

I really enjoyed the insight as I got to work on so many varying tasks. I was never bored during my placement and also found myself making friends with so many people. The various activities and socials planned were really fun. The work was challenging at times but also very doable and I enjoyed the fact that I learned so much while working on them.

Yes