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Higherin

Summer Intern Review

at DLA Piper

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Commercial Law

Manchester

Review Submitted: July 2022

Overall Rating

4.8 /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!

5/5 - Overview of Experience
4.5/5 - Skills Development
4.8/5 - 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.
The first week consisted of getting to know the other interns in London, all expenses paid for. Each day involved talks from amazing people at the firm to give you a better idea of what DLA Piper is about.
The second and third weeks are spent in different practice areas, where you do tasks such as drafting, legal research and client calls. There are regular socials so you get to know your colleagues.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
Talking to lawyers at the firm gave me a better understanding of what different job descriptions mean. For example, before the scheme, I did not know much about how an associate's work differs from that of a senior associate, or how their work differed from that of a partner and trainee. DLA Piper places a lot of value on its team and their clients, which was evident in every interaction I had.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
In have further developed skills in legal research that is aimed at a certain audience. I have learnt a lot of technical information from talking to colleagues and completing tasks. Completing document drafting tasks has shown me how much the law is different practically compared to what you do in a degree. Networking events have helped me become a better networker. The presentation was also good for improving my public speaking skills.
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
5/5

Company Culture

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
There is a community feel at DLA Piper - everyone wants you to do well and they support you as much as they can. This is shown by how they do not encourage you to compete with each other on the internship and to focus on doing your best. Social events happened every week which were great for making friends. The firm's commitment to pro bono and diversity and inclusion initiatives is brilliant.
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 really enjoyed the work - whilst it was not easy, I loved getting stuck in and managing my workload. I made lots of great friends and think this was helped by the London induction. The lawyers are welcoming and always willing to have a chat with you - they encourage it! The scheme exceeded my expectations and I really felt at home.
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 and 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
Know why you want to work for the firm and practice your presentation skills. There is a presentation on the assessment centre and on the internship, so these skills are really needed.
If I reapplied, I would tell myself to believe in myself and my ability. I was inspired to join by the firm's commitment to social mobility but I am really interested in the firm and its clients too.
In This Review
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