Why did you choose to work at DLA Piper?

In my experience as a paralegal, clerk, and ultimately a graduate, I felt that the firm in Brisbane struck the right balance for a junior. I was able to benefit from being part of a large global firm while also being offered the necessary level of responsibility as a junior lawyer to develop. I felt the firm had a positive outlook to grow in Australia in innovative ways, aligning with my mindset towards the early stages of my career. It also helped that colleagues were invested in my growth, consistently looking for opportunities for me to learn on the job that complimented more formal training.

What has surprised you most about DLA Piper?

The international work. You hear a lot about the international aspects of a firm like DLA Piper, but it can be hard to understand how this works in practice. It was not until I joined the firm that I appreciated how broad and active the international network was. In my first year working in Corporate, I was regularly in contact with clients and colleagues from all around the globe. The transactional work with overseas clients developed my global outlook, particularly thinking about how our work in Australia fits into the client’s broader strategy.

How would you describe the culture at DLA Piper?

My experience of the culture has been characterised by the authenticity of my colleagues and leaders. We spend a lot of time working together, whether it's collaborating on work for clients or in the day-to-day office environment. I feel lucky to be able to be myself, which has in turn helped my peers and I to develop and grow as lawyers. The firm’s culture promotes collaboration with my colleagues across geographies and practice groups, which brings a diversity of thought and experience that I enjoy being exposed to.