For the next MHC Intern Life, we talked to Julián Suárez, who started his second year in his PhD in Environmental Law at UCC. Julián describes his first week as an intern here.
A lot of anticipation built up during the previous weekend before my first week here. As a former Colombian practitioner currently seeking a career reconversion in Ireland, I was not sure what to expect. However, I must say it has not been anything less than fantastic!
During the introductory week to the firm’s enthusiastic and highly professional working ethic, I have met very inspiring and compassionate team members and have shared with fellow interns the experience of working with one of Ireland’s leading legal practices.
Upon arrival on Tuesday, we were warmly received by several partners, senior associates, associates and trainees. Some of them have been appointed mentors and buddies for the duration of the June intake. Immediately after that, we received training on IT, HR, Facilities, and social and cultural life at the firm. It was such a pleasure to discover the wide array of social and wellbeing activities available to employees. Especially during June, known here as WOW Month – which includes free breakfast on Fridays, yoga and spinning sessions, canal clean-up activities, free ice cream and after work gatherings.
During lunch that day, we had the chance to exchange with some of the past and current trainees on their previous experiences. They have also made me feel very welcome and have been curious about my background and trajectory. These enriching, first-hand accounts have been very useful to get a feel of the solicitor career path and working opportunities at the firm.
On Wednesday we were divided in teams and were assigned our presentation projects. We also were trained in use of the library resources. I find the comprehensive legal and extralegal sources available at my disposal to be a game-changing advantage. Right after lunch, we all went for a teambuilding activity at GoQuest. It was so much fun getting through the challenges and a great way to get to know the other interns in your team. I must gladly report that my team was the winning team! We went afterwards to grab lovely pizza and drinks at Paulie’s Pizza close by South Bank House. We also were joined by other department staff members, which made it again possible for us to further engage with them, now in an informal and friendly setting.
From Thursday onwards, I started collaborating with the M&A and Charities Teams in the Corporate department. I have been very impressed by the way team members are committed to promptly and swiftly involve you as an active part of daily department work. I have been very fortunate to be given an overview of the very interesting work carried out here. Everyone here in the Corporate team has been helpful and open to solve queries regarding my assignments. I have been keeping busy proof reading client briefs and warrant contracts, taking notes in client calls alongside partners and senior associates with charities and doing legal research on leisure association acquisition operations.
To have engaged immediately into this kind of work, along with the rest of the social events with other trainees and staff, has already made this short experience at the firm truly remarkable.
Considering this is only week one of the programme, I am really excited for what the next few ones will have in store!
Learn more about our internship programme.
