Felicity Perham – Olliers Summer Internship 2026

Felicity Perham describes her experience on Olliers’ 2026 Summer Intern Programme 

Day 1 – The world of criminal defence

Walking into Olliers on my first morning, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement that comes with joining a firm known for excellence in criminal defence. Within the first hour, I had met the whole team, completed my induction and was ready to absorb everything I possibly could.

My first taster into the world of criminal defence at Olliers was a conference with George Odysseos from the DBS team regarding PNC record deletion. This was my first real insight into the sheer number of cases that Olliers handle. After the conference, I began drafting a representation to ACRO for a PNC deletion application, which pushed me to think carefully about evidence, proportionality, and the client’s wider circumstances.

Later, I listened in on a call about an Sexual Risk Order (SRO)/Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) with Martha Whitehead; this helped me understand how safeguarding-related orders are navigated in real time. This day was fast-paced, intense and exactly the kind of challenge I hoped for.

Day 2 – Behind the case

Day 2 took me deeper into casework. I spent time reading through open files, including murder cases. Seeing how forensic evidence is organised, analysed and contextualised was fascinating. Reviewing the schedule of exhibits helped me understand how meticulous case-building really is. It is truly underestimated how much every detail matters and how, no matter how small, it helps to explain a part of the story.

I also spoke with people across different departments, each offering a different perspective on how complex cases come together and how each case is completely different even though they may look similar on paper. It became clear how collaborative defence work actually is. No matter how serious the allegation, the approach is calm, structured, and grounded in expertise. By the end of the day, I had absorbed a huge amount of information that you simply cannot gain without the hands-on experience and conversing with experts within that field that an internship gives you.

Day 3 – A day in court that changed everything

Today was the moment everything clicked.

I felt honoured to accompany David Philpott to court and shadow his day as the duty solicitor. On this day, I was able to watch the workings of the court, including the unpredictability. What struck me the most was his ability to problem-solve under pressure even when faced with unfamiliar issues and incomplete information.

There was no hesitation, just measured reasoning, clear communication and an unwavering focus on the client’s best interest. Witnessing that in action was genuinely inspiring.

When I arrived back at the office, I started working on a transcript from a police interview on a particularly intense case. It challenged me in the best way, forcing me to think critically about narrative, evidence and how early investigative steps shape the trajectory of a case.

By the end of this day, I realised how much I had grown in 72 hours.

Day 4 – The importance of proactive early representation

Day 4 began at the police station, where I attended with Eleanor Harris and I observed the processes behind interviews, disclosure, and solicitor-police interactions. It was eye-opening to see how relationships between the police and defence solicitors operate in practice. They are professional, respectful, and grounded in a clear understanding of procedures.

Watching the solicitor advocate for the client in that environment highlighted the importance of calm communication, legal knowledge, and emotional intelligence. It reinforced how crucial early-stage representation is in protecting a client’s rights.

In the afternoon, I spoke with members of various departments across the firm. This gave me the chance to ask questions, understand their specialisms, and gain a rounded view of how Olliers approaches defence work from multiple angles. It was invaluable, not just for understanding the firm but for understanding the kind of solicitor I aspire to become.

Day 5 – The completion of the internship

The final day was bittersweet. I had felt as though I had learnt so much and didn’t want it to end. This week has taught me many things, including the importance of advocacy, composure, early-stage presentation and strong legal knowledge. What stood out the most was how open everyone was; every question I asked was met with patience, clarity, and genuine enthusiasm to help me learn.

Throughout my final day, I utilised having professionals within the field around me; therefore, I sparked inquisitive conversations to gain as much information and knowledge as possible that I can take with me wherever I go next.

I finalised some of the admin I had been working on throughout the week and had a meeting with the managing director, Matthew Claughton, regarding my time with Olliers. I have felt so welcome and involved since the moment I stepped into Olliers and hope I will return one day.

Why this week mattered to me

This week has been more than a placement; it has been absolute confirmation that criminal defence is where I want to build my career. Every day has challenged me, inspired me and strengthened my motivation to pursue this dream.

What I’ve seen at Olliers reflects exactly the environment I want to grow in:

• A team that values precision, compassion and integrity
• Work that is intellectually demanding and deeply human
• A culture where curiosity is encouraged, and development is celebrated.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the team at Olliers for being so welcoming, open, and encouraging me throughout my internship. Every conversation, every explanation, and every opportunity to observe or get involved has meant a great deal. Your willingness to share knowledge and support my development has made this experience truly inspiring, and I am incredibly grateful for this experience.