The Legal Cheek View
DLA Piper’s solicitor apprenticeship offers a front-row seat to life inside one of the world’s legal heavyweights. Having evolved from its Sheffield roots into a globe-spanning mega-firm through a series of bold mergers, DLA Piper now boasts a UK footprint stretching across seven offices and a formidable international network to boot. In fact, it’s the one of the largest firms by headcount in the world! Apprentices can expect to cut their teeth on big deals with big impact. As one apprentice puts it, it’s work “on a huge scale and they do it successfully,”
When asked about why they chose the apprenticeship route, one rookie pointed to the practical experience you gain. “I wanted to do something different from the academic route I had been on for years — full-time study no longer appealed to me. I find I learn best through application and that’s a major advantage of the programme, you gain practical experience alongside academics and get exposure to the reality of law, cases and clients from day one.” Of course, the salary and avoiding student debt are also major benefits! On rookie in particular pointed out that they simply weren’t in a position to go to university — the apprenticeship was route into a “career that I could be proud of.”
But what was it about DLA Piper that drew its apprentices in? Insiders point to the cross-jurisdictional, international work, done on a big scale. “The firm stuck out in my mind as one that really cared about its applicant’s,” said one insider, referencing the firm’s “inclusive nature “even during the “rigorous assessment process.” Another rookie is quick to highlight the training programme itself. “I chose DLA Piper because it already had a well-established programme that’s been running for years, so I knew it would be refined and tailored to provide top quality training and experience.”
So what does this training programme look like? Apprentices rotate annually across practice groups for the first four years, joining the firm’s trainee solicitor cohort in the final two years. Although, as one apprentice tells us, “Most departments at the firm treat apprentices as trainees.” Alongside the typical practice group specific training, insiders are also quick to highlight focus on non-technical “soft-skill” training in areas such as communication.
The breadth of work seems exciting and naturally “no two days are the same”. “I have been involved in internation investigations, advisory work for the UK government, creation of the firm’s space practice strategy, presentations to clients on incoming legislation, researching of entirely novel concepts, successful applications for asylum seekers, and more.” Another apprentice pointed to the wide variety of tasks they get involved in “from research and drafting to disclosure for tribunals and attending client meetings.”
Apprentices spend four days a week at the office with their teams, supported by supervisors and buddy systems, while the fifth is dedicated to ‘off-the-job’ study towards their LLB with The University of Law. When asked how they balance the two sides of the programme, we are told “time management and organisation are key.” “You have to master these early on as they’re essential for both your work and academic commitments. I find using to-do lists and calendars effectively and planning ahead is best! The firm also provides study leave in the run up to exams, which is a huge help.”
Work life balance seems to be healthy, as one happy apprentice admits to “never having to work a weekend” in the three years they’ve been at the firm. “I can count the number of times I have had to work late into the evening on two hands!” And whilst “workload can be tricky to manage during busy periods”, barriers between work and study are “respected and dedicated study time is never infringed.”
When it comes to location, apprentices will not be tethered to the London office and can expect the breadth of experience typical of a regional powerhouse. While the scheme has previously been based in Manchester, applicants this year will be joining the firm’s Leeds office.
We asked the current apprentices for their coveted top tips on how to secure that coveted offer. The advice was simple from one junior: “Be yourself. If you are genuine, eager about this opportunity it will shine through.” Another pointed to the importance of research and “having a good understanding of the values and the meaning behind those values — displaying that knowledge will ensure that the firm knows you are a good fit.” As expected, applicants are encouraged to tailor their applications to the firm: “Each application would benefit from being written with that specific firm in mind — try to avoid regurgitating a formatted application for each firm.” Ultimately, as a firm that “champions diversity, individuality and originality — be yourself!”