Associate (IPT)

Why did you choose to work at DLA Piper?

I wanted to experience life at a leading international law firm with a vast range of work, clients and opportunities. During my first year of university, I participated in the insight programme in the London office and really liked the firm's culture and the people I met. Later, I applied for the summer internship and spent an enjoyable couple of weeks at the Manchester office, where I got to know more about the firm and complete interesting work in two departments. I was so pleased to be offered a training contract at the end of the internship and, a few years later, an associate position in the Commercial / Tech & Sourcing team. It's been a great journey so far, and I'm looking forward to continuing my career.

What have you learned from your experiences at DLA Piper?

I've learned the importance of asking questions when I'm unsure about something. It's much better to check and make sure you understand what's being asked of you before starting a task. Otherwise, there's a risk of wasting time and being inefficient. People understand that you can't know everything right away, so it's okay to ask for help. I've also found it helpful to ask for feedback on my work whenever possible. This helps me improve for the next time and shows that I'm proactive, and want to help my team. Being open to learning and always looking to improve has been key to my experience here, and it's something I'll carry forward in my career.

Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experiences at DLA Piper? 

One of my highlights is undoubtedly my secondment at the Premier League. I moved to London for six months and worked with the Premier League's commercial team. I got involved in a variety of matters, from negotiating contracts for rappers to perform at events to drafting sponsorship agreements, and even finalising the contract for the office coffee machine! Working as in-house legal counsel improved my commercial awareness as I experienced the client's viewpoint and a different perspective on commercial work. One particularly exciting moment was participating in a raid on a Camden stall selling fake Premier League merchandise with the police and a brand protection agency. I also helped with events at the Emirates Stadium, attended many football games, and met a few famous faces. It was a diverse and memorable experience, which gave me a great insight into the sports industry.