Reflections from our summer interns from the 10,000 Black Interns Programme

This summer, Farrer & Co had the pleasure of welcoming four interns through the 10,000 Black Interns Programme. The interns were placed across a variety of departments, gaining exposure to different areas of the firm: Tamara Van Beek in Family, IP&C, and Private Client; Sarah Onifade in Employment, Disputes and Charity & Community; Yemi Oluwadare in IT; and Timi Akele-Dairo in HR.

We spoke with them about their time at the firm. They shared their impressions, skills they developed and advice to future interns.

What degree are you studying and at which university?

Sarah: I graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) this summer, where I studied BSc International Relations.

Tamara: I graduated from the University of Warwick last summer where I completed a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Law.

Yemi: I’m a second-year Cybersecurity student at the University of Warwick, about to begin my third year.

Timi: I’m studying for a BA (Hons), Human Resources Management, about to begin my third and final year.

What values or behaviours did you observe that you think define the firm?

Sarah: One of the defining values was a truly collegiate spirit. Another standout behaviour was the firm’s consistent drive to deliver real value to clients. Whether through strategic thinking or anticipating client needs, there was a shared focus on excellence and impact. That mindset, combined with a deep understanding of the law and its practical application, is what made the work feel forward-looking.

Tamara: The firm is extremely welcoming. Everyone has been so eager to get to know me and to offer their support to ensure I am able to get the most out of this experience for my own benefit. Farrers takes learning and development very seriously and that is something that I have been able to benefit from extensively as a legal intern.

Yemi: One thing that really stood out to me was how much effort people made to create a comfortable and supportive environment. I came in without much experience and expected to be doing admin tasks all day or running around fetching coffees. But it was nothing like that. People took the time to explain things, involved me in real conversations, and never made me feel overwhelmed. There’s a real sense of trust and respect here, and it showed in how people treated me from day one. It felt like I was given space to grow, not just to get through a checklist.

Timi: For it is the firm’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and fairness. This was really clear with all the Employee Impact Groups, which give people a voice to communicate and share their opinions no matter what level you are at the firm!

What skills will you apply in your future career?

Sarah: Resilience and a commitment to continuous growth. Before starting this internship, I genuinely believed I might be out of my depth. I struggled with imposter syndrome and questioned whether I was smart enough to pursue a career in law. Wearing the niqab, I occasionally worried that it might affect how others perceive me, despite being confident in my identity and background. There were moments when I felt those doubts more intensely because of the expectations I imagined others might hold, or even the ones I placed on myself.

Yet this programme has completely shifted that mindset. I’ve learned that intelligence isn’t just about what you know; it’s about the willingness to ask meaningful questions, to stay curious, and to embrace challenges with focus. By putting in effort, seeking support when needed, and remaining open to feedback, I discovered that I can exceed my own expectations. Speaking with other minorities at the firm helped me understand that many of us carry invisible pressures and that there’s great strength in acknowledging and challenging those internal barriers. This experience taught me the power of perseverance and how growth often begins the moment we step outside our comfort zone. I’ll carry these lessons with me wherever my career takes me, and I’ll continue applying them every day as I move forward in the legal profession.

Tamara: Having sat in three distinct practice areas, I have developed a range of legal skills that I will be able to apply in any future legal opportunity I pursue. I have also developed my soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving and time management, which I will be able to apply throughout my career and personal endeavours. As such, this internship has been a great way to develop both professionally and personally.

Yemi: I’ve had the chance to explore different areas within IT, from working on projects to getting involved with data and infrastructure. Being part of those teams gave me a better understanding of how things connect across the firm. I also developed communication and presentation skills through the group project, which gave me a real insight into how teams collaborate, especially when it comes to external-facing work. These experiences have helped me build confidence in both technical and interpersonal skills, which I know will be valuable wherever I go next.

Timi: One skill I will definitely take with me would be the research skills and the Excel training I’ve developed while working in the various teams in HR. Time management is a big skill I’ve developed, as I have improved how to plan my days, especially with my commute into the office, as I live quite far away in Northampton.

What is your best memory of your time at Farrer & Co?

Sarah: My favourite memory was sharing lunch and conversations with the other interns. Those moments of swapping stories helped build real friendships and made the experience even more memorable.

Tamara: I have had such a great experience at the firm over the course of these six weeks, no single moment is my favourite. The relationships I have built with colleagues at all levels will be my greatest takeaway.

Yemi: Nothing over the top, to be honest. I really enjoyed the events like the IT Wine and Cheese Night and the sushi making, but what I appreciated most were the everyday moments. Just being able to chat with new people, hear about their careers, the advice they had, and have proper conversations. I found a lot of joy in getting to know the different personalities across the firm. It made the place feel more real and showed me how much variety there is in the paths people take.

Timi: My best memory would have to be my buddy lunch. Just having time to talk in an out of the work environment with my buddies Oluwatomiwa Banjo and Gloria Da Silva really made my day and the food was amazing, especially with Tommy being a personal chef handling the BBQ!

What advice would you give to future interns joining Farrer & Co?

Sarah: Remind yourself that you worked incredibly hard to be here. You earned your place, and you absolutely deserve it. If you come across a task that feels challenging, keep a growth mindset. It is completely normal to find things difficult and to ask for clarification when you need it. You are here not only to gain experience but also to learn and grow. You should also reach out when you're unsure about something. Speak to your buddies or the other interns. They might have gone through the same thing and can share helpful guidance. Opening up will improve your own experience and might help shape the internship programme for those who come after you. Make sure to make time for the other interns. Even if you're in different teams, you are all navigating this opportunity together. You can learn a lot from each other's perspectives, and spending time with them will bring memorable moments and strong friendships. Booking time to connect is just as important as the work itself.

Tamara: Believe in your skills and capabilities and don’t undermine yourself. If you have been offered a place on this programme, it is because the firm sees potential in you to flourish in your chosen area of practise. I would also encourage any future intern to make the most of being in such a renowned, yet friendly environment. Arrange coffee chats, speak to people from different practice areas and build key relationships. It’s really easy to do here and with individuals at the top of the legal profession!

Yemi: One piece of advice I was given, and that I’d pass on, is not to come in expecting to make major changes. Recognise your limits but also make the most of what you can do. Whether the task is big or small, do it to the best of your ability. No one will judge you for trying your hardest. People here are incredibly kind, so don’t be afraid to go out of your way to speak to others. Take the time to ask questions, hear people’s stories, and figure out what direction you want to go in. That’s where the real value of the internship comes from.

Timi: Be confident in asking questions. There is no shame in asking and the friendly environment at Farrers grew my confidence to do this.

© Farrer & Co LLP, August 2025