My Dublin internship

On my first day I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit in on a meeting of the Corporate Team. Although the vast substance of the meeting extended far beyond my immediate familiarity and knowledge, the team provided me with explanations of the transactions they were working on as well as guidance as to the Transactional Services team’s role within the firm. The members of the team informed me of their current and prospective clients. I was introduced to the team and advised on how I might be assisting over the course of my internship. It was fascinating to hear how busy the Corporate Team is, both in the Irish office and globally. From the outset I felt like a valued part of the team, and not just that in Dublin. I immediately was made aware of the international presence and connectivity of Pinsent Masons.

Over the course of my internship I attended presentations given on various departments in the firm, such as IP and Litigation, Employment, Insurance, Corporate and Funds. Sectors Week was on while we were here so we had the chance to learn all about the importance of Pinsent Masons’ sector approach strategy. I attended a firm wide talk via video link in the boardroom on Sectors Week given by three partners, Alastair Morrison, Laura Cameron and Florian Von Baum. The partners discussed the importance of the firms’ sector approach strategy and then answered questions which had been submitted from various Pinsent Masons offices around the world. Throughout the office I really noticed the global sector approach insofar as different departments would interact with each other and draw on one another’s expertise in a given transaction. The open plan office structure really supports this mantra throughout the Dublin office and inspires collegiality and connectivity.

The internship gave me a genuine insight into the life of a trainee at Pinsent Masons. One of the things that impressed me most was the culture of the Dublin office. Everyone was approachable no matter what their role. Questions were welcome and always treated as a learning opportunity. I also had the chance to attend the Energy Ireland Forum in Croke Park, which Pinsent Masons were sponsoring and Garrett Monaghan was speaking at. Having a keen interest in energy law this was a brilliant chance for me to be part of a networking event of industry experts discussing Ireland’s energy transition in light of the Government’s Climate Action Plan which had just been released.

Perhaps the highlight of the internship was the Summer BBQ in the Radisson. This was a great way to unwind after all the hard work. It was also a great opportunity to meet the July interns and tell them a bit about our experience at Pinsent Masons.