We asked July intern, Orlagh Hearne, to share some advice for our future interns. Orlagh just finished her final year in law at Trinity College Dublin.
Research
Before you begin your internship, you will be aware of what department you will be working in and the name of the partner and senior associate who will be mentoring you. It is no harm to do some research into your relevant department prior to your first day, just to get an idea of how big or small the department is, the kind of work they do, some high profile clients and any recent transactions/cases they have been a part of. Having this background knowledge may help you as you ease into working within your department. It can also be a helpful point of conversation with the people on your team as you get to know them and settle in.
Engage
From your first day as an intern until your last day. You will be meeting new people, whether that be fellow interns, partners, legal secretaries or trainees. Interacting and engaging with senior partners or associates can seem daunting but I would recommend taking every opportunity you can to engage with these people. The advice they can offer you for your internship, and legal career in general, will be invaluable. Ask questions and make the most of the opportunity of being surrounded by legal professionals.
Take on the daunting tasks
Don’t be afraid to take on tasks that seem intimidating at first. Your mentor may give you the task of making a phone call, or drafting an important document, and this may seem impossible to do as an intern. However, if your mentor trusts you with the task, you are perfectly capable! Take the opportunity to try something new, ask questions if you are unsure and do your best. Chances are, you will find the task a lot more manageable than initially contemplated.
Offer your help
While some days can be very busy as an intern, with little time to think, other days may be slower, and this is the perfect opportunity to offer your help with work. This is a chance to take initiative and show that you are eager to learn and develop your skills. It’s important not to take on more than you can bear however, as tasks can start to pile up with project and case note deadlines as well. However, proving that you have the right attitude towards work is a step in the right direction and provides the perfect chance to immerse yourself in department work and learn something new.
Rely on your fellow interns
As interns, everyone is in the same boat. Starting in a new place of work is difficult and can be frustrating when you encounter IT issues or can’t remember where a certain office is. Having your intern group to help you get through the initial teething stages makes the process so much easier and more enjoyable. They are there to give advice on challenging department assignments or talk through a case note with. There is a big social element to being an intern here, with drinks, lunches and bonding activities organised for you to get to know one another. Take advantage of these opportunities and use the intern group as a support system for when you need them.
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