Having graduated with a first class LLB in 2023, my friends and I found ourselves in somewhat unfavourable economic circumstances. The impact of the COVID-19 recession meant that employment prospects were limited, yet I was nevertheless determined to pursue a career as a solicitor. In my third year, I discovered the Eagles programme, and realised that the principles of the programme resonated strongly with me, and I decided to research further into the types of programmes offered. Since my journey into the legal field was shaped by a strong desire to understand the intricate balance between law and business, I was naturally drawn towards the Legal Intern role.
The application process, while thorough, was very fair – ELBA do their best to assist you by hosting sessions on honing your CV and interview practice. During the assessment day, I really enjoyed meeting some of the other candidates and got an insight of what the role would entail. Upon researching the Orange Code, and further into ING’s history, I came to understand that ING promoted an encouraging atmosphere with which I could identify and potentially perform at my best in.
The interview itself ended up feeling more like a conversation. From the moment I sat down, I realised many of the lawyers really wanted you to do well; one of their main motivations for running the programme is to provide the skills and experience to boost interns’ career progression, so having a natural sense of ambition was a huge plus. At each stage, I didn’t feel as though I had to portray myself in a way that was inauthentic or contrary to who I am, so I was excited by the prospect of working in an environment which allowed me to be myself and learn at the same time.
My experience as a legal intern at ING bank
Joining ING Bank as a Legal Intern has been a transformative experience. The structure of the internship, which mirrors a training contract, provided me with the opportunity to rotate across various departments, including Shipping, Acquisition Finance, Financial Markets, Infrastructure, and Debt Capital Markets. This exposure has been invaluable in deepening my understanding of the multifaceted nature of financial law and its application in real world scenarios.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been the ability to engage directly with complex legal issues, from reviewing powers of attorney and legal opinions to negotiating facility agreements. The dynamic environment at ING Bank allowed me to apply the legal knowledge I gained during my studies while honing my commercial instincts. With ING’s head office being based in Amsterdam, and much of the work being international in nature, working on multi-jurisdictional transactions has allowed me to sharpen my analytical skills and has been instrumental in building my confidence in handling intricate legal matters.
Yet, my favourite part of the ING internship has been forming lasting friendships with the other interns. The opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of peers significantly contributed to the experience, as well as to my personal development. Starting the internship with a trip to Ashridge was particularly special, since it allowed us to foster strong relationships from the beginning. Aside from the vital legal skills described above, one of the most important things I will take from my internship is the importance of having a positive, collaborative and friendly work environment.
Looking Ahead: Building on my ING experience
Given my circumstances, one might have assumed that a career in law was unlikely for me. Born and raised just outside London, I come from a working-class, second generation, sole parent background where hard work and resilience were instilled in me from a young age. However, I take pride in my perseverance in defying those odds – and that is precisely what ELBA are here to do, too.
As I look to the future, I’m excited to continue developing my expertise in this area, taking on new challenges and contributing to the evolving legal sector. The knowledge and experience I have gained at ING Bank have laid a strong foundation for my career, and I’m eager to build on this as I progress in the legal profession. I’d strongly encourage anyone who’s interested in any of the ING internships to apply. It is an incredibly unique opportunity which I feel fortunate to have had. The skills, knowledge, and potential friends you will gain are worth it alone – but most of all, you never know where it can lead you.
