Graduate Recruitment
Meet our people
Laura de Graff - Trainee
Music, Manchester University
Why law?
I read music at Manchester and after graduating taught English in Japan for two years and then travelled. I returned to the UK and worked in event management.
After four years in event management I looked at how rewarding my career was and realised I could probably do with a change as I wanted a career that would mentally challenge me in the long term. Law had always been in the back of my mind so I applied to do the GDL. I did my GDL in Leeds and made every effort to get summer schemes at big commercial firms. I always knew I wanted to do quality corporate and commercial work, not private client work.
Why did you choose DLA Piper?
I applied to DLA Piper with some trepidation because of its size and I knew competition would be stiff. After I walked through the door during my summer scheme I felt at ease straight away. I liked every single person there and had a great two weeks. I was immediately involved in what the teams were doing; it felt right and I did not want to work anywhere else after that.
How much support do you get?
You get lots of support. Members of the graduate recruitment team are always on the end of the phone if you need them and there is a great social network amongst trainees. We get on really well although we are all very different. My supervisors have been absolutely fantastic and people in my department are always happy to answer questions.
What do you like best about your job?
In my previous career I ran conferences for big government agencies and pharmaceutical companies. It was a very demanding job and involved working with clients and delivering the best possible service. Now I get to do all of that and use my brain a lot more too. It is not an easy job and I have had challenging times but if you are prepared to take the rough with the smooth, the sense of job satisfaction is second to none.
Where do you see your career going at DLA Piper?
I want to qualify and find a niche whilst building my own client relationships. I really enjoy business development and you can get involved with it right from the start by attending client networking events and building contacts.
What would be your one piece of advice to potential lawyers?
DLA Piper values its trainees and offers real career opportunities for anyone with talent and motivation. If I had to give one piece of advice it would be to say yes to everything and be nice to everyone.
