Legal Assistant
Supamart Lertsahakul
AT DLA PIPER SINCE
2024
CURRENT LOCATION
Bangkok
Why did you choose to work at DLA Piper?
DLA Piper first came into my path through its internship program, which gave me the opportunity to join the Bangkok office. From the very beginning, the environment felt open and welcoming. Conversations were easy, and there was a sense of shared values and ways of working that really resonates with me at that time.
As my experience with the firm grew, so did my interest in the people and the culture. The chance to learn within a supportive team, while also being part of a global firm, made DLA Piper a place where I felt encouraged to grow and explore my potential.
What have you learned from your experiences at DLA Piper?
Working at DLA Piper has been a learning journey shaped by guidance and trust. From my early days as an intern to my current role, I have been exposed to a wide range of work that gradually helped me build my legal skills and managing responsibilities.
Being part of an international firm has also broadened my perspective. It has shown me that the legal profession is constantly evolving and much wider than it may appear at first, encouraging me to stay curious and open‑minded.
Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experiences at DLA Piper?
What I value most about my experience is the opportunity to work on litigation and regulatory matters, where learning happens naturally through practice. Supporting senior lawyers across different stages of a case has allowed me to see how legal work unfolds in real situations.
One particularly meaningful experience was being involved in a litigation matter from its early stages through to the end. Observing the full process helped me better understand how each step connects and reinforced my interest in this area of law.
What sustainability-related work have you been involved in?
I have had the opportunity to assist with ESG‑related matters, particularly in relation to sustainability and regulatory compliance. This included supporting advice on packaging, waste management and food guidelines for a multinational food and beverage client operating through franchise arrangements.
Through this work, I gained early exposure to how sustainability considerations are becoming an important part of legal and commercial decision‑making.
What has surprised you most about DLA Piper?
What stood out to me most was the level of support and approachability across the firm. Even at an early stage of my career, help and guidance are always accessible, and conversations with senior lawyers feel open and encouraging.
The inclusive atmosphere also made a strong impression. Working with colleagues from different generations feels natural, and there is a genuine sense of belonging that makes it easy to learn and contribute.
How would you describe the culture at DLA Piper?
Supportive and open. There is a strong sense of respect across teams, and people are comfortable working together regardless of seniority or background.
It is an environment where conversations feel natural, guidance is readily available, and learning happens through everyday interaction. That sense of ease has made it possible to grow with confidence, even at an early stage.
What pro bono activities have you been involved in?
I had the chance to be involved in pro bono work supporting the marriage equality movement in Hong Kong, where I assisted with legal research on recent developments in Thailand. This work helped inform advocacy efforts responding to proposed alternative legal frameworks for recognizing same‑sex relationships.
Through this experience, I learned that legal research can be more than just an academic exercise. Even in a quiet, behind‑the‑scenes way, it can support causes that matter. This also reminds me that, even at a junior level, our work can still make a meaningful difference.
Do you have any advice for students aspiring to pursue a career in law?
A willingness to learn and an open mindset often matter as much as legal knowledge itself. Staying curious and being receptive to new experiences can lead to unexpected paths and opportunities.
The early stages of a legal career can feel uncertain, but growth often begins there. Approaching challenges with openness, even when things feel unfamiliar, can make the journey both enriching and rewarding.