Graduate Recruitment
Meet our people
Alexander Hendry - Trainee
Law, University of Edinburgh
Why did you choose DLA Piper?
I chose DLA Piper for a lot of reasons. For a start, we are very dynamic and forward thinking. People in this firm have grasped where the profession is heading, and the fact that we now have to act and see ourselves much more like a business to succeed. We also have ambitions that go beyond the borders of one country. Most of the top law firms in Scotland are just that – the top law firms in Scotland, and nowhere else. DLA Piper is a genuinely global firm. We have two offices in Scotland – in Glasgow and Edinburgh – that act as one and as a trainee you get to know and work with the people in both.
How has your trainee experience been so far?
My trainee experience so far has been absolutely fantastic. For the past six months I have been on secondment to the Scottish Government. I have learned a great deal, and I am looking forward to being able to offer the skills, knowledge, and independence I have gained when I get back to the firm.
DLA Piper has a great environment for young lawyers that is very conducive to personal development; in my experience, trainees are given as much responsibility as they can handle. In my first seat, I was fortunate enough to work in a great team with a fantastic supervisor, and this was reflected in the high quality of work I experienced. Working closely with a partner and an associate, I assisted with a high profile judicial review. I gained invaluable experience of our judicial system, I assisted with the instruction of counsel, and I was heavily involved at every stage of the process. At DLA Piper, you are surrounded by people with such a diverse wealth of experience that, if you have a problem, there is always someone willing and able to help.
Where do you see your career going at DLA Piper?
When I qualify, I want to go into litigation – I am pretty sure of that. I really enjoy the contentious side of things and how much diversity there is in the cases you work on.
I am interested in becoming a partner, absolutely. One of the great things about this firm is that you look at the partners and they do not conform to the traditional, outdated stereotypes. Partnership does not seem to be an unattainable dream.
What's DLA Piper's reputation amongst students in Scotland?
Amongst law students and graduates, DLA Piper’s brand awareness in Scotland has exploded over the last few years. The firm has established an incredibly strong reputation for the quality of training available and we are working hard to maintain that and to ensure that every student knows our name.
