Graduate Recruitment
Meet our people
Gurpreet Duhra - Associate
Employment, pensions and benefits
Law, Sheffield University
There is a real human interest element to this area of the law that attracted me to it. It is an area of the law that you can talk to your friends and family about without them getting bored and switching off. I tend to find that most people are interested in the law surrounding what employers and employees can and can't do in the workplace as it affects everyone in one form or another. Also, employment law is very dynamic and fast moving so its a constant challenge keeping clients up to date with changes in the law.
I chose Sheffield because I studied here and really enjoyed my time in the city. It has changed massively over the years, a bit like DLA Piper itself. It’s more modern, cosmopolitan and inclusive than when I went to University here but it has retained a great respect for its historical roots which are steeped in the steel industry. There are plenty of places to go and things to do as a trainee solicitor here with new bars, shops and restaurants opening up all the time. You’re also on the edge of the Peak District for when you fancy a bit of fresh air.
I joined DLA Piper because I saw it as a firm that had both history and real ambition for the future. It doesn’t want to stand still and consolidate but is always looking to be innovative and lead the market.
I’ve been here for nearly eight years although it actually feels like I’ve been in four or five different law firms during that time. We’ve reinvented ourselves on a regular basis in order to adapt to the market and clients' needs. We've matured into a slick, sophisticated operation and I have all the resources I need to help me in my career, including a fantastic knowledge management system. There are no other law firms in Sheffield that can offer clients seamless legal advice pretty much anywhere in the world.
Sheffield is also the spiritual home of DLA Piper. There are a group of partners here who have made very successful careers for themselves and are role models for the younger lawyers. They demonstrate that there really is the opportunity to develop and progress your career without having to be in London or elsewhere.
Our CEO, Sir Nigel Knowles originates from Sheffield and began his career as a trainee in our Sheffield office. I regard Sir Nigel as a true visionary who has broken new ground in the legal profession. For example, he saw the potential of the US market before any other European firm and made us the first European law firm to merge fully with a firm in the States. He is one of the main reasons why we are now recognised as a leading global organisation. And it all began here in Sheffield.
From my point of view, if you’re someone who embraces our values and ethos then you’re going to be highly rewarded by your career at DLA Piper.
