Meet Ethan - Trainee

What is your current role, when did you join the firm? 

I am currently a first-year trainee on a client secondment, previously I was sat in the Edinburgh IPT team, I joined the firm in August 2024.

What inspired you to apply to DLA Piper and do you have any tips for someone looking to apply?

DLA's international platform stood out to me as a huge selling point. The opportunity to work on cross border transactions with the highest calibre of clients from the Edinburgh office was something I knew would help propel my career forward. I would encourage anyone thinking about applying to DLA Piper to research both where we work (location), and who we work with (clients and local counsel) and consider how this aligns with your own career goals and aspirations. 

What does a typical work day look like for you/ has this varied between your seats?

A typical working day for me involves starting the day with either a run or trip to the gym. This sets me up nicely to hit the ground running when I get into the office. I usually have breakfast in the office and like to use this time to skim the news and practical law updates for any recent legal/commercial developments relevant to my team. In my current seat typical daily tasks include: setting up calls with stakeholders to discuss internal projects, reviewing contracts we receive from suppliers; and undertaking mark ups/redrafts to propose changes. 

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?

Asking for help! It can feel really intimidating, especially when you have just started and are keen to make a good impression. The truth is nobody expects you to be a superstar on day 1, the training contract is a 2 year long process of learning and development and people are aware of this. I would recommend always going to a supervisor with your thoughts on the answer/path forward and asking for feedback, this helps show initiative while ensuring you don’t spend lots of time and energy going down the complete wrong path. 

What's the best piece of work you've been involved in?

In my first seat I was involved in a contract for one of our clients 'Merlin Entertainments' who own and operate a variety of entertainments venues across the UK (think Legoland, Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds etc). Our team got to advise on the contract for the New Years fireworks display at the London Eye, it was really interesting thinking about all the background considerations for a big event like this and was very rewarding knowing I had a small part in an event that brings so many people together at the new year.  

Have you been involved in any of the firm's networks? 

Since starting at the firm, I have been involved in our Horizons network. Social mobility is an issue which I am very passionate about and the firm have hosted a variety of events, including 'courageous conversations' around what is really meant by 'meritocracy' and how it can be a flawed structure. As trainees we also get to be very involved in the planning and running of the Head Start scheme which brings secondary students from underprivileged backgrounds into the firm for work experience, this was a really rewarding initiative to be part of.