‘My name is Sophia Camacaro, I am 22 years old, and I obtained my LLB from the University of Edinburgh in July 2026. I was born in the US as the daughter of Venezuelan parents and have lived in various countries, including South Africa, Spain, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, the US, and Scotland.’ 

Why did you choose an internship at Wintertaling?

‘After graduating from university, I was eager to gain practical experience in the legal profession. Wintertaling appealed to me because of its broad practice in corporate law and the open, collaborative work culture. I felt that this would be a great place to learn from experienced lawyers and work on diverse corporate law cases.’

What are your main tasks and responsibilities during your internship?

‘During my internship, I was responsible for reviewing and summarizing legal documents, such as shareholders' agreements and capital preservation declarations, and for assisting with client inquiries. I gained experience in identifying client needs, asking relevant follow-up questions, and supporting the drafting of appropriate legal documents. These tasks have strengthened my eye for detail, my analytical skills, and my insight into how legal services operate in practice.’

Can you give an example of a project or case you worked on?

‘An interesting project I worked on involved supporting Wintertaling with GDPR compliance. After researching the relevant obligations, I drafted a new data processing register for the firm, thereby contributing to ensuring that data processing activities were clearly documented and in compliance with GDPR requirements.’

What was the biggest challenge during your internship?

‘The biggest challenge during my internship was the language barrier. Because I do not speak Dutch, I encountered situations where not mastering the language made certain tasks or interactions difficult. However, I saw this as an opportunity to develop my communication skills and to build self-confidence in a professional environment by asking for clarification when necessary.’

What did you learn during your internship?

‘This internship has provided me with practical experience in corporate law, something you simply cannot learn in a classroom. Through my interaction with various cases and clients, I have gained a clear understanding of what it means to be an in-house counsel and the skills required for it. I have become more confident in applying my legal knowledge and tackling challenges independently, developed a better eye for detail, and strengthened my skills in legal research and drafting documents.’

How has this internship changed or influenced your view of the legal profession?

‘This internship has given me a much clearer picture of the legal profession, far beyond what I experienced at university. I have come to appreciate the collaborative nature of legal work, as well as the interdisciplinary approach often required when advising clients. This experience has given me a more realistic and multifaceted view of the profession and has only strengthened my interest in the field.’

How would you describe the work environment and culture at Wintertaling?

‘One of the biggest highlights of my time at Wintertaling was the welcoming and supportive work culture. From my very first day, everyone made me feel like I was part of the team and was always ready to answer my questions or offer guidance. It was clear that the firm genuinely enjoys working together, which created a collaborative and positive atmosphere. This environment made it much easier to learn, build self-confidence, and get the most out of my internship.’

What are your plans after this internship?

‘After my internship, I will move to London to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), hoping to continue my career in corporate law in London.’

Do you have any advice for other students considering an internship in the legal profession?

‘I would advise students to ask their supervisors for as much feedback as possible. An internship is one of the best opportunities to consolidate what you have learned at university and apply it in practice. Don't be afraid to ask questions or take on new challenges – people expect you to be learning. The more proactive you are and the more open you are to feedback, the more you will develop both your legal knowledge and your self-confidence.’