Why did you choose to work at DLA Piper?

I chose to work at DLA Piper because of the warm and welcoming nature of the team. I also believed it was the ideal place for me to begin my career as a litigator, given the wide variety of clients and matters our team handles. This exposure to such a diverse range of legal issues offers juniors like me excellent opportunities to learn and grow.

What has surprised you most about DLA Piper?

I was pleasantly surprised by DLA Piper's strong commitment to community initiatives and diversity and inclusion. Each person is given two days of leave each year to participate in community-focused activities, such as tree planting events, fundraising drives for Canteen, and volunteering with the Auckland City Mission. Another initiative I’m particularly proud of is our Head Start program, a responsible business initiative. Launched in 2020 in partnership with The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, the program supports students from low-decile secondary schools by helping them through tertiary education with mentoring, internships, and financial assistance.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at your firm?

DLA Piper is a firm that genuinely welcomes and celebrates individuals from all backgrounds. I would encourage anyone considering a career here to bring their authentic self to work and use the recruitment process as a chance to explore what you want from your legal career. Take advantage of firm events and interviews to learn about the firm, our culture, and practice areas, and assess how you would fit in.