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Maeve O' Rourke - Intern Diary
My experience in Arthur Cox was exciting, challenging and extremely diverse. Above all, it was thoroughly enjoyable. During my two weeks in Banking, I had the opportunity to work with five different groups, which meant that I came into contact with a wide range of practice areas and transactions, and a huge number of people.
From drafting powers of attorney and comparing facility agreements, to reviewing a company's memorandum and articles and drafting the necessary special resolutions, to attending Counsel at the Four Courts, there was never a dull moment during the fortnight. Each day flew by, especially when there were trips to be made to the CRO to file the all-important C 1's! My duties even took me as far as the airport, through the port tunnel, one day in a quest to find the newly relocated Customs House, and this, if not all my grumbling about the incessant rain in July, surely made me a favourite with all the taxi drivers about town.
What really made a lasting impression on me, however, was the atmosphere I encountered in Arthur Cox. I could not have hoped for a more inclusive, energetic, professional and, most importantly, welcoming set of colleagues. From the first day, the partners and solicitors put aside precious time to show me the ropes. They expertly explained what I really needed to know about banking law in general and the various transactions going on in the office in particular. The fact that I was given the same work as the Banking trainees, and that what I produced would be sent out to clients, encouraged me to really take an interest in what I was doing.
The summer internship programme gave me an invaluable insight into what working in a large commercial law firm is all about. On top of that, I had a brilliant time getting to know the other interns. The trainees were great fun, and without hesitation included us all in everything they were doing, whether work-related or after hours. I learned a huge amount during my time in Arthur Cox, which I'm sure will be put to good use next year in college and when choosing which career path to take, and I am really grateful for the effort that everyone made to make me feel so welcome.
