Life as an Intern – Angel Zhu

In our latest “Life as an Intern” article, Angel Zhu shares her experiences as a legal intern at CKT.

A little bit about yourself:

I am currently studying for my FE-1s, having recently graduated with an LLM from TCD. So far, I have completed four of the eight FE-1s and am working hard to finish the rest soon. I began my placement at Comyn Kelleher Tobin (CKT) in November 2024.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading and practising archery – a hobby I picked up during my undergraduate studies at DCU, where I earned my BCL degree.

How did your internship at CKT come about?

CKT maintains strong connections with the school of law at DCU and during a careers fair in my second year, I had the opportunity to meet Nicola Kiely, a Partner at the firm. I learned about the firm’s wide range of practice areas – including but not limited to healthcare and medical negligence law – both of which I have always been very interested in exploring.

The broad scope of work appealed to me, as I felt it could provide a balanced and rewarding internship experience. After completing my time at TCD, I decided to apply for an internship with the firm. I was called for an interview and delighted to be offered the internship to which I was very happy to accept.

A typical workday and work-life balance:

Each day brings something different, with new challenges and tasks that create plenty of learning opportunities. Some of the day-to-day responsibilities include administrative tasks that are shared between interns, such as scanning the morning post and filing documents for court.

CKT places a real emphasis on maintaining a healthy work life balance. The firm takes commuting times into account and offers flexibility where possible.

What has been your most memorable moment at CKT thus far?

One of my most memorable moments is that I was recently given the opportunity to attend a pre-trial hearing for a case, which was subsequently settled. I observed the types of questions that were asked, the specific details of what the solicitor and barrister were looking for, and how the experts played a role in the case. It provided me with real-world knowledge and valuable insights on what it is like working in this field and what can be at stake for the parties involved.

CKT Culture:

CKT fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where colleagues are approachable, and willing to assist whenever needed. I found that everyone from interns to secretaries and solicitors, are understanding, helpful, and patient whenever I need guidance with my work. This support has helped me become more efficient in my work, where it has helped me develop my skills and build my knowledge for the future. CKT has a collaborative culture where interns work together to complete work rather than competing against each other.

What tips would you give to someone starting an internship at CKT? Anything you wish you knew before starting?

Ask questions – do not be afraid to ask if you’re unsure about something or need clarification. Something I found helpful was making a note of what I have done or need to do each day. It has helped me stay organised and makes sure nothing is missed.