Summer Intern Review

The scheme was 3.5 weeks long. The first 2 days were spent on a firm-wide induction with a great range of speakers from different practice areas and senior partners at the firm. We then rotated around 2 different practice groups, spending a week and a half each. In these practice groups, I did a variety of different tasks including contractual drafting, research, and note-taking at meetings.

The induction was very helpful in understanding about the key practice areas of the firm, as we don't get the opportunity to try all during the work placements. Furthermore, one-to-one chats throughout the scheme with fee-earners helped in understanding the work more, and how different roles differ.

I further developed key skills, particularly communication and attention to detail.

The company culture was good, with most people being very approachable and happy to sit down and talk about their work. Like any firm, there was some fee-earners who appeared to have less time for interns, and didn't seem very approachable.

I enjoyed the insight into law to a very large extent at DLA Piper. During my two work placements, I carried out real work, communicating with clients and opposing counsel on high-value commercial matters.

Yes

I would advise others to research the firm thoroughly, making use of their online website and social media, and attending any in-person events that they regularly host in their offices or in university campuses.