DLA Piper LLP (US)

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

DLA Piper recruits associates from leading law schools and those from regional schools in the top 5% of their class who have work experience. People in the office are friendly, welcoming, and supportive, and they enjoy working together. Partners are accessible, and they value associates and care about developing associates’ professional skills. Partners and senior associates address questions and concerns as advisors to early-career associates, and associates say that on-the-job learning is the typical form of training. A dedicated team and individual guides help laterals integrate into the firm. Associates gain experience through a broad range of activities, client contact, and meaningful and challenging assignments, which they obtain through a free market system. DLA Piper imposes a 1,850-hour billable requirement with another 150 qualifying hours needed for a bonus. The in-office requirement varies by office, and the firm’s technology, which includes AI programs, enables off-site work. Compensation matches the market, and additional bonuses are available for every 100-hour increment associates bill over 2,000 hours. Wellness initiatives include an attorney resource manager, a meditation room, and an in-office gym. The firm prioritizes pro bono work by requiring 60 hours of related work and by awarding fellowships to two associates who are then assigned only pro bono work for one year. Associates see realistic promotion opportunities to senior attorney, counsel, and equity partner positions. Exit destinations are other firms and the government, and in-house roles are attainable.