Graduate Recruitment
Meet our people
Helen Fyfe - Solicitor
Law, University of Edinburgh
What attracted you to DLA Piper?
The personality of the firm was one of the main attractions. Even at the interview I could tell that people were really down to earth and there was a good atmosphere. I liked the fact that DLA Piper is a global firm covering a broad range of practice areas with scope to work for international clients.
How have you found your experience so far?
So far it has been a positive experience: challenging and rewarding. I have worked with a variety of people, including colleagues from our European and Asian offices, for example when managing the localisation of an outsourcing agreement. My experience has made me aware that DLA Piper is in a prime position to handle multi-jurisdiction work.
The social side of the firm has also been great. I helped to organise the trainee Burns Supper which was a huge success, bringing together trainees from around the UK. The Burns night has become a highlight of the trainee social calendar.
What has the work been like?
It has been diverse - from prison visits and court appearances to researching niche areas of law. I have been given a lot of responsibility, for example, a partner in the Glasgow office called me up and asked me to draft a contract by lunchtime. It was going straight out to the client, so had to be perfect and look well presented. However, there are always people to ask and you know the support is there.
The work is a lot less theoretical than at university. You see the processes and relationships involved in the practical side of law.
What’s the culture like?
DLA Piper is not a stuffy law firm: it has a well-balanced culture with a hard working ethos and is also quite social. We have office events such as barbecues and I took part in a 5K run recently. Trainees are also encouraged to take part in voluntary work. I participated in a 'Business in the Community' event, giving primary school children an insight into the work of lawyers. During our training we are always reminded to be aware of our audience and angle our work accordingly. Working with children was challenging in this respect but also rewarding.
What opportunities are there in DLA Piper Scotland?
There’s quality work to do. We are one of few firms in Scotland with global strength as well as the ability to provide high quality work for local clients. At DLA Piper you have opportunities to work abroad, handle high value transactions and go on secondment to clients. There are no glass ceilings and we’re very accommodating to different lifestyle needs.
Advice to prospective trainees would be to be yourself – DLA Piper encourages diversity.
