In answering the question, I would like to touch on DLA Piper's strong litigation practice (as I am currently a litigation paralegal at another firm), high ranking and innovative departments and its pro bono work. However I was wondering how best to structure this answer to reach the necessary level of detail. Are there any advice or prompts you could give me please?
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why this firm?
- Thread starter Lauren
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- Feb 17, 2018
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I'd just flag off the bat that 'high ranking and innovative departments' and 'pro bono work' come across as vague. I'd only mention pro bono if there was something very specific about what the firm was doing that mattered to you (and you could back this up). Otherwise, all top City firms offer pro bono opportunities, so I don't find it particularly tailored to the firm.
It may be the case that you only wanted to keep this broad in your post though, in which case that's fine.
It sounds like you already have a structure of making three points. The rest is really up to you. With each point, I'd jump into specific detail and explain why they matter to you.
I agree with Jaysen but feel that with DLA Piper it is possible to highlight their pro bono work as they are known to have an "army of pro bono lawyers" and are quite known in this regard. If you do so, however, make sure you can explain what is it specifically about their pro bono practice you are interested in, whether you have spoken to someone from the firm about it, attended an interesting event, or even if their pro bono projects align with your interests.
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You can find some more general advice on structuring/explaining "why this firm" here https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/explaining-interest-in-firm.3079/
In terms of the level of detail you'd need, you'd really need to be demonstrating that you've done your research into what makes those departments high ranking/innovative. What kind of disputes do their litigation team specialise in that sets them apart from competitors? What kind of services do they offer that make them innovative?
With regards to the pro bono point, I agree with Karin on the point that for DLA it might be slightly more acceptable since they do have such a strong emphasis on it. But I would still recommend picking one/two projects in particular that they have organised that resonate with you and most importantly explaining why they resonated with you and why their emphasis on pro bono is important to you as an individual.
In terms of the level of detail you'd need, you'd really need to be demonstrating that you've done your research into what makes those departments high ranking/innovative. What kind of disputes do their litigation team specialise in that sets them apart from competitors? What kind of services do they offer that make them innovative?
With regards to the pro bono point, I agree with Karin on the point that for DLA it might be slightly more acceptable since they do have such a strong emphasis on it. But I would still recommend picking one/two projects in particular that they have organised that resonate with you and most importantly explaining why they resonated with you and why their emphasis on pro bono is important to you as an individual.
Is talking about the London's office expertise in fintech too niche to mention as a draw to DLA Piper? I am particularly interested in its involvement in the FCA's regulatory sandbox through two projects. I completed my masters dissertation on the future of fintech regulation in relation to manipulation within the cryptomarkets.
However I am unsure how many trainees the firm takes in this area?
Alternatively, I could discuss the firm's approach to work as true business partners leading to the creation of the Law& consulting arm? Whilst this demonstrates the radical and forward thinking nature of the firm, I am unsure how this would impact upon the work of myself as a trainee.
