Overview
Introduction
Get your passport ready—DLA Piper has more than 90 offices around the world and is home to more than 4,000 lawyers. These lawyers work across 13 major practices, and the firm is lauded for its Data Protection, Privacy, and Security. Collaboration and professionalism are key to this firm’s collegial culture. Associates enjoy strong relationships with partners and benefit from an extensive team dedicated to pro bono work.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
No. of Partners Named (2022)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2021)
No. of Summer Associates (2022)
No. of U.S. Offices
Vault Verdict
Few firms have the reach and ability to truly meet the legal needs of their clients around the world that DLA Piper does. As a legal colossus, hiring is an extremely competitive process. Prior work experience, credentials from a top or local law school, and journal or moot court experience are all important factors. Once at the firm, associates enjoy a laid back, respectful atmosphere in which there is a strong sense of affinity among attorneys and staff. Partners are approachable and engaged in associate development, and value associates’ contributions to work product. Lateral hires are made to feel like part of the team and given assignments right away. Formal training at DLA Piper is minimal, but senior associates and partners step in with top-shelf mentoring and teaching. That...
About the Firm
With approximately 4,300 lawyers in 90-plus offices around the globe, DLA Piper is one of the largest law firms—both by headcount and by revenue—in the world.
From Big to Ginormous
DLA Piper is a law firm empire. Its massive growth is the result of 2005’s tripartite merger between U.K. firm DLA, Chicago/Baltimore-based Piper Rudnick, and California’s Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich—and the whirlwind of acquisitions that followed. Spurring the growth were healthy real estate, litigation, corporate, and private equity practices and the absorption of entire departments from rival firms. In September 2006, the firm cut its name from DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary to the concise DLA Piper, a change reflecting its new emphasis on global brand building. The fi...
Associate Reviews
- “Pre-pandemic, members of our group often went out to lunch together. Before and during the pandemic there was/is an open door/open phone line policy for partners and associates alike so that member of the group can always reach out for help or advice on any topic. The day-to-day atmosphere is positive. Our group genuinely enjoys our work and working together and learning about new market developments.”
- “The atmosphere is very friendly and professional.”
- “People are very nice and really do seem to care about maintaining a collegial work environment. This was one of the prime reasons I chose to come to DLA and it has been borne out in life post-summer associate work.”
- “DLA is a very collegial place, where collaboration is encouraged. There is a sense of camaraderie among lawyers and staff alike, and the overall environment is one I would call supportive.”
Why Work Here
DLA Piper is one of the largest business law firms in the world and one of the most recognized law firm brands globally. We are an innovative and entrepreneurial firm, deeply committed to our values: our people, our clients and our community. We invite you to meet our people and learn more about life at DLA Piper.
Diversity at DLA Piper
Getting Hired Here
- “In our office, we have individuals from a range of law schools—from local unranked schools to top tier schools. I think it's hard getting a job here because so many capable people want to work at the firm. That said, I think the fact that I went to a top tier school played a big role as did my prior work experience, legal and otherwise. I lateralled in through a recruiter who was really great and knew folks at the firm. I think that's helpful if you can make a connection with an associate or partner.”
- “Along with the basic qualifications of grades, extracurricular activities and school, the firm places importance on personality and resilience. There is no typical feeder school from my perspective.”
- “I think the newer you are to practicing law, the more your law school, grades, and journal experience/moot court/mock trial matter. The farther removed you are from law school, the more your work experience matters.”
