What can an intern expect from a family law work placement at Dawson Cornwell?

For many years Dawson Cornwell has operated a work experience scheme for undergraduates and postgraduates, primarily for those who are interested in pursuing a career in family law. The interns get to work in a busy family law firm with a particular emphasis on the fast moving work in our international children department. They will learn many things and be given an array of tasks and experiences: from attending client meetings and court hearings to preparing court bundles and drafting documents. During their placement we welcome the interns to attend our frequent in house training events and any social activities. We like to think that we have a friendly and supportive environment and that our interns benefit hugely from the opportunities they are afforded.

Well we would think that wouldn’t we? But what do the interns themselves say? Here is a selection of views canvassed from recent interns:

Alan Wei (April 2024)

When I applied to Dawson Cornwell, I had little legal experience. My CV reflected a background far removed from law—undergrad in another discipline, experiences in another country, internships in another industry…

In my cover letter to Dawson Cornwell—and many other firms at the time—I told a personal story. It was a story of an Asian child, with a family torn apart by a dysfunctional family law system, of a friend who helped loved ones navigate domestic and sexual abuses claims, and of a newly enrolled law student wanting to learn more, do more, and have a career in this field.

100 applications sent, 1 replied. Dawson Cornwell not only gave me my first legal work experience in family law—it offered me the best possible introduction to the field.

My most memorable moment at Dawson Cornwell was not a consultation with barristers at the Central Family Court or compiling a full report of a long-standing client’s finances, but a conversation. After a long day working alongside my supervising solicitor, she told me she still remembered the story I had written in my cover letter SIX months ago. She told me that that is what had moved her and why the firm decided to offer me a starting piece of experience in family law. That moment solidified my belief that Dawson Cornwell is not just a prestigious firm, but also a personal one. It was a firm I wanted to be part of, and I would want to be a client of. I am sure that many will tell you how is it like working at this firm, I hope this story will tell you how does it feel like, being at this firm.

After my internship, I continued my two-year journey at King’s Law School. I was honoured to be selected twice as a student legal adviser at King’s Legal Clinic and to serve as a student mentor in my course. I was also fortunate to secure two further internships at renowned Legal 500 and Chambers-ranked London law firms. Now, in my second year of study, I am applying for training contracts with the determination to become a family lawyer.

Maria Guerrero (July to December 2024)

I was fortunate enough to intern at Dawson Cornwell for six months last year. During my time at the firm, my experience exceeded everything I could have ever hoped for.

As a qualified lawyer in Mexico, I greatly benefited from the diverse and international cases I was able to assist with. However, the most rewarding aspect of my time at Dawson Cornwell was the opportunity to work alongside such brilliant people and professionals. I had long admired Carolina Marín Pedreño from afar, so having the chance to work with her was a life-changing experience. I was continually impressed by the expertise and dedication of everyone at DC. They are such a source of inspiration, always available to answer any questions, offer words of encouragement, and provide support in any way possible.

As an intern, I had the opportunity to work closely with fee earners and observed their strategic approach to complex cases first-hand while also assisting with the review and preparation of various court documents and attending client hearings, as well as court hearings. The work I participated in was hugely varied and immensely fulfilling.

All in all, this was an invaluable opportunity, one for which I will always be grateful. When I qualified as a lawyer in my home jurisdiction, I knew that I wanted to specialise in family law. My experience at Dawson Cornwell further solidified this aspiration. Through the support and mentorship, I received from everyone at the firm, I gained a clear understanding of what to expect on my journey towards cross-qualification.

Taking the advice of Dawson Cornwell’s own Isabela Maculan, a dually qualified solicitor, I came to realise that every step of my journey is an opportunity to gain experience, and my six months at Dawson Cornwell was perhaps what will come to be the most important step in that journey.

Aalia Hussein (December 2024)

My internship at Dawson Cornwell was an invaluable experience. The firm’s welcoming environment made a lasting impression, and everyone was always happy to answer my questions. My tasks included drafting documents and client correspondence, observing hearings and taking attendance notes, and organising case materials and bundles – all of which gave me valuable insight into the practical aspects of family law. This opportunity allowed me to witness first-hand the firm’s dedication to their clients and their ability to handle complex and sensitive cases with professionalism and compassion. The internship helped me refine my communication and analytical skills, attention to detail and time management, all of which will be essential as I move forward in my legal career. Not only did this experience solidify my interest in practicing family law, but it also gave me the confidence and foundational knowledge needed for my next steps. I am incredibly grateful to Dawson Cornwell for this opportunity and to have been able to learn in such a supportive environment.

William Chan (January 2025)

Not sure if I’m influenced by Suits, but marrying my aspiration to make a difference to the vulnerable in society with my passion in law has always smacked of wishful thinking to me.  How can I engage in more genuine connections with people that are beyond monetary considerations, while fulfilling my desire to problem-solve the complexities around a legal framework? After a two-week internship at Dawson Cornwell, I think the answer starts to crystallise.

I was tasked with a wide range of genuine client work, ranging from conducting legal research, participating in client meetings, to attending court hearings. For instance, I was involved in several cross-border domestic abuse cases that encompass deeply emotional and sensitive moments in their lives. By navigating clients the complex situations they face, family law’s unique nature in providing support during endangering times truly resonates with my motivation to study law in the first place.

Hailey Dantanarayana (January 2025)

One of the standout moments of my internship was visiting the Royal Courts of Justice for the first time. It was interesting to witness a wardship case unfold in real time. The interactions between clients, solicitors, and barristers highlighted the importance of clear communication and meticulous preparation beforehand. These first-hand experiences surpassed anything I had learned in a lecture theatre, proving the value of practical exposure. The internship also gave me a unique opportunity to meet professionals and clients I might not have encountered otherwise. I particularly enjoyed taking on responsibilities, such as accompanying clients to court, which instilled a sense of accountability in me. Each task contributed to a deeper understanding of the different roles in family law.

Overall, my time at Dawson Cornwell was a rewarding experience that solidified my interest in family law. It emphasised the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The insights I gained during this internship will undoubtedly inform my studies and future career. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with the world of family law in such a meaningful way and look forward to further developing my skills and experiences in this field.

Esther Follis (January/February 2025)

Often, placements at exceptionally successful firms can feel intimidating. You find yourself surrounded by people who not only possess significantly more legal knowledge than you, but also excel in their practice. However, by lunchtime on my first day at Dawson Cornwell, my initial nerves had begun to fade. The firm’s collaborative and welcoming environment quickly put me at ease, allowing me to fully engage with the dynamic nature of family law at the highest level.

During my month at Dawson Cornwell, I had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of cases, each offering invaluable insight. I assisted Partner Carolina Marín Pedreño on a forced marriage case, where I learned the necessity of handling sensitive matters with precision, ensuring that every legal move was both strategic and measured to best serve the client’s needs. I also observed a multi-million-pound divorce settlement led by Simon Bruce and the matrimonial team. This experience underscored the breadth of family law and the firm’s ability to navigate cases spanning vastly different circumstances. This balance and range between high-net-worth disputes and crucial human rights matters is what makes Dawson Cornwell truly exceptional.

One key takeaway from this experience has been the role of collaboration in producing the highest standard of work and securing the best outcomes for clients. At Dawson Cornwell, seeking advice, peer reviewing and exchanging perspectives are integral to their approach, and I found this to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my time there. This internship has not only deepened my legal knowledge but also reinforced the importance of proactivity in this field. Dawson Cornwell has shown me that by actively engaging, asking questions and immersing myself in every opportunity, there is always room to learn and grow. I leave this experience more prepared for the future and incredibly grateful for the insight and skills I have gained.