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Higherin

Vacation Scheme Review

at DLA Piper

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Legal/Law

sheffield

Review Submitted: July 2022

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 - Overview of Experience
4.8/5 - Skills Development
4.3/5 - Company Culture
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 conducted tasks which replicated the work of a trainee solicitor. This included undertaking research tasks for fee earners, reviewing commercial contracts, drafting client emails/letters and drafting formal documents such as leases. We also attended daily sessions given by the global heads of each practice group, who explained the work they undertake and the skills required to excel in their practice groups.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
The internship provided great exposure to both the traditional legal opportunities within the firm, as well as the roles that are emerging as the industry evolves. This was especially apparent from the pro bono and Aldersgate talks given in London.
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?
The first week in London strengthen my commercial understanding of both DLA Piper and the legal industry as we heard from various senior individuals within the business. The London week also provided an opportunity to develop networking skills as we had meet all the summer interns across the offices. In the remaining two weeks I further developed my commercial acumen, as well as my written and verbal communication as I completed work for the teams I was in.
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?
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
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Everyone at the Sheffield office was extremely welcoming and generous with their time. This extended from the trainees right to the head of the office. When tasks were given, individuals went out their way to explain the context of the case, what they wanted from my work and were very willing to answer any questions that I had. Overall, this lead to a really approachable and enjoyable culture.
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?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I really enjoyed the placement. Everyone in the office was very approachable and welcoming. The work I was set was pitched at the right level and was genuinely interesting and engaging. All the work I was set related to real ongoing matters, which made it feel like you were genuinely contributing to the team.
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 not paid and had no 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
Throw yourself into all the opportunities that arise within the 3 weeks and keep an open mind. Also make sure you ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Everyone will be willing to help and it is much better that you clarify something at the start than putting a lot of work into something which may not be relevant. There is no such thing as a stupid question.
In This Review
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