Graduate Recruitment
Meet our people
Satnam Sahota - Trainee
Law, Warwick University
Why DLA Piper?
I chose DLA Piper when the last recession was at a peak and, in my view, it was the only law firm that was still expanding, increasing its reach and not restricting its recruitment process. DLA Piper was a firm of the future, seemed stable and knew where it wanted to go. It had a growing reputation and people were talking about it. The many international opportunities also appealed to me.
Why Birmingham?
Everything I have done in my life so far has been Midlands-based. I know the area well and all my connections are here. I have worked in London before and soon realised that you do not need to be in London to do the high value big deals. You get great work coming out of regions such as Birmingham.
What’s the work really like?
The work you will do is not always the typical trainee filing, photocopying or other mundane tasks. It really is a hands-on experience. You will get a lot of responsibility. In some departments, depending on your willingness, people will give you files and say “This is yours, run with it”. Of course you are supervised but you definitely get early responsibility and a wide range of work.
It is challenging, but in the right way. One of the most exciting things I have done is go up against a barrister in a trial. I do not think every trainee solicitor can say that and I have never felt out of my depth. If I did then I would always have people to help me out.
What's the culture like at DLA Piper?
Every law firm says they have an open door policy but I do not know of a better way to describe DLA Piper. You can speak to anyone about anything from any department. Colleagues will help you and look out for you and it is very much a work hard and then enjoy yourself environment.
You do not really know what you want until you have embarked on a training contract. It is important to have options available to you and DLA Piper gives you those options.
What about corporate responsibility (CR)?
There is plenty of pro bono work to do and we have close relationships with the Birmingham legal advice clinic. This allows us to help those who can not afford legal advice.
How important is the international reach of the firm to trainees?
Our global network is really important. Trainees have really good opportunities to go on secondment to destinations such as Bangkok and Moscow. We are also expanding into new areas such as our recent merger with our Australian sister-firm into one single entity.
