Summer Intern Review

The internship started with a 2-day central induction with all interns from across the UK and Ireland. There were talks, workshops, opportunities to network and social events. The 3 weeks in the home office was split into two halves, with a rotation in 2 practice areas. We were given the chance to rank our preferences. The day-to-day work depended on the practice area/team. One team were super engaged, with regular catch ups with my supervisor, receiving lots of work from multiple team members, and invitations to coffee chats with other partners. The other team were much quieter and I mostly worked with a trainee and an associate; my supervisor didn't really engage with me. Tasks included drafting client emails, doing legal research and proofing documents.

The two rotations were really valuable to understand two practice areas and the different work involved. We also had lunch with a group of associates, 1-2 from each area to get an overview. People from other areas were very open to coffee chats.

I developed my confidence asking questions and approaching team members of all levels of seniority. I also improved my legal research skills and changing my tone in writing depending on whether I was addressing a client or a fee-earner.

In general people were very friendly and approachable. However, the inclusiveness/how valued I felt etc. really varied from my first rotation to the next. In one, I felt that senior team members were excited to have me there and keen to get to know me and help me develop. They invited me for coffee, to join client calls and meetings, and tried to find out what kind of work I was interested in so I could get involved with the right people. In the other, my supervisor did not engage with me beyond saying hello to me on my first day, and other seniors did not seem interested in going for coffee chats or including me in work.

Overall, I enjoyed it and valued being given proper work. However, I massively enjoyed my first team to my second, as discussed. I think if I had been in the second rotation the entire time, I would have a negative experience overall.

Yes

Sharpen your commercial awareness and always think about what the client wants. Try to show that you're globally-minded and enjoy working with people from other cultures. Be proactive and confident and try to go the extra mile beyond just what you're asked.