What makes DLA Piper different? A conversation with Peter Somekh

Peter Somekh, Partner, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa: You can’t be fantastic by just being big. 

DLA Piper has been a really wonderful place to work. It has presented challenges, certainly, but most importantly, opportunities. 

I never felt the need to go to another firm or to pursue any different type of career because the platform itself has been adaptable and has met all my expectations and aspirations, both geographically, in terms of exploring new areas to work, and also the type of work that I’ve taken on. 

I think the most rewarding part of working with DLA Piper is the ability to work on a cross-jurisdictional basis on mandates. And the important thing from a DLA Piper perspective is that we can offer a client a solution, and a solution that transcends borders.

There are other big law firms. I think what differentiates us from the competition is the connectivity, the fact that we do talk to each other, we do have a sector approach, and we bring to bear on solutions for the clients really deep industry expertise and technical strength. And we do that really by talking to each other, collaborating, and making sure that the solutions are optimal. 

The best and most satisfying pleasure I get out of working within the firm is actually to see that talent coming through from all stages.

I have worked for and reported to some really very inspirational and talented people and joined the firm precisely because I knew that talent existed within the firm.

We're never complacent. The job is never done. There is a lot to achieve still. The firm has come a long way, but there is more to do.