Why did you choose to work at DLA Piper?

I chose to work at DLA Piper as it is a full-service law firm with a global presence and there is a defined career pathway. In Hong Kong, we have diverse practice groups ranging from Real Estate, Litigation and Regulatory to Intellectual Property and Technology and Corporate. 

This breadth was important to me as when I first started as a trainee I had no idea what type of work I enjoyed or disliked and what my strengths and weaknesses were. Through my training programme, I rotated across different practice groups to gain exposure to legal work and there were also international secondment opportunities offered.

The work here is exciting and challenging and no day is the same at DLA Piper. 

What has surprised you most about DLA Piper?

The close links between different teams across the office. Many firms claim to have a sense of community, but I feel that our firm has truly succeeded in doing so as everyone I've met so far has been friendly and outgoing. 

Although I may not work with colleagues from other departments regularly, I would never feel unfamiliar or left out when I'm with other colleagues as we regularly have sports activities and social gatherings open to everyone which takes place outside of work. 

Although none of these events are mandatory, I enjoy hanging out with my friends / colleagues outside of work. The sports we do together (for example basketball followed by breakfast, and lunchtime runs) helps to keep our energy high when we head back to the office.

How would you describe the culture at DLA Piper?

I would say our firm is supportive and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication. Even as a junior in the team, we're given opportunities to speak up. Partners actively seek our input at work and our opinions in general on how to make the firm a better place. 

When I encounter personal or professional challenges, I can reach out to my colleagues and they always support me. People are caring, authentic and try to accommodate your needs.