We asked July intern, Daria Jedruch, to share some advice for our future interns. Daria is a third year Law student at Trinity College Dublin.
Starting an internship at Mason Hayes & Curran is an exciting step toward your legal career. To help you prepare, these tips cover some of the essential aspects when starting.
Dress code
The firm maintains a business casual dress code. This means it calls for neat professional attire that can be less formal than a suit but still polished and appropriate for an office environment. While it is the standard, it’s important to use your judgement for specific situations. When attending client meetings or going to court, opt for more formal attire. Always consider the context of your day-to-day activities and dress accordingly.
Arrival
Make sure to be early, ESPECIALLY on your first day. Aim to get there at least 15 minutes beforehand to give yourself time to settle in before the day starts. Once you get there, check in at the reception desk, where you will be provided with a name badge.
Your first day will begin with a welcome session from the team. This will include an introduction to the firm, an overview of the internship programme, and important policies and procedures. You will be given a tour of the office to familiarise yourself with some of the key areas. After the tour, you will be introduced to your team. This is a great opportunity to get to know who you will be working with and what your role is going to be.
You will be shown to your desk and provided with the necessary equipment, including your laptop. IT will chat you through the set up and the Knowledge team will show you how to access the firm’s digital resources.
Cafe
These is a well-equipped cafe for interns and employees. The cafe offers a wide range of meal options like hot dinners as well as a deli section. There are also vegan and vegetarian options available. The firm put a lot of thought into providing healthy and nutritious meals that are suitable for everyone. The menu is updated weekly and can also be viewed on the firm intranet, the Dock.
If you prefer to bring a packed lunch you can store it in the fridge and heat it up in the microwave. There are lots of seats available for everyone to sit and enjoy their lunch.
Prepare questions and goals
Take some time to think about what you want to achieve during your internship and any questions you may have about the role, the team, or the firm. Preparing a list of questions and setting clear achievable goals will help you make the most of your experience and show your initiative to learn and develop.
Take Initiative
Don’t wait for your work to come to you. Approach your buddy, associate or partner and ask if there are any tasks or projects you can help with. This shows your eagerness to contribute as well as helping you stay busy. You want to try get as much hands-on experience as you can.
Starting an internship here is an exciting opportunity to learn and grown in a professional environment. By utilising these tips, you will make a positive impression and doing your internship with confidence. Embrace this opportunity and make the most of your time at Mason Hayes & Curran.
Learn More About our Internship Programme
