Why did you choose to work at DLA Piper?

Many people will say that what attracted them to DLA Piper is its strong reputation as a leading global firm. As someone who loves travelling and is interested in working overseas someday, this was true for me. However, the biggest attraction was talking to people at the firm and hearing about the interesting work they were involved in. I was also impressed by seeing the authentic connections that were formed with clients and fellow colleagues. DLA Piper genuinely seemed like a fun place to work and somewhere I would be learning and challenged. When I started my clerkship, I was impressed by the firm’s culture. Everyone was accommodating and friendly. I was also able to pursue my interests outside of commercial law through pro bono opportunities, as a clerk and a graduate.

Do you have any advice for students aspiring to pursue a career in law?

Try not to be discouraged from applying based on any preconceptions you have about what the “traditional path” to a career in law entails. For example, you do not need any formal legal experience to begin your career as a clerk at DLA Piper. I had no legal experience prior to applying for the clerkship but instead drew upon previous experience from working in the financial sector to demonstrate my transferable skills. Skills that are valuable to law firms, such as problem solving and stakeholder management, are prevalent in almost every industry and not just legal services.

What has surprised you most about DLA Piper?

How down-to-earth and accommodating everyone is. Commercial law firms can have a reputation for being stuffy, unapproachable, and not conducive to learning. Since day one, people at DLA Piper have been more than happy to take the time to develop aspiring law students and junior lawyers both personally and professionally. The firm has a relatively flat “hierarchy”, where clerks, graduates and solicitors often work closely with partners and other senior lawyers on matters and are encouraged to ask them questions directly to further their learning.