Hello!Hi guys,
I'm currently going through the application form for DLA Piper's VS, and I had some quick queries. As ever, if anyone's got any feedback (no matter how big or small), I'd be hugely grateful!
1. One of the questions on the application form is as follows: "Select one article from DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector that interests you. How does it align with your personal and professional ambitions?". I'm slightly unclear as to what exactly the question wants candidates to do - is it the client sector as a whole that we're expected to find interesting, or is it the article (or both?). Similarly, are we expected to discuss how the subject-matter of the article aligns with our ambitions, or are we supposed to talk about how the client sector more generally aligns with our ambitions? Indeed, what exactly is meant by "client sector" in the first place (I presume it describes a commercial sector more broadly - e.g. pharmaceuticals - rather than a law firm's practice areas)?
2. The other main question on the application form is as follows: "Describe a specific personal experience that shaped your motivation to pursue a legal career. How has this influenced your career ambitions?" Towards the end of my answer, I linked my response back to DLA Piper specifically: does this sound like a valid approach, or am I straying beyond the remit of the question?
3. At the top of the application form, there's some space to attach a CV, but also some space for "Additional Application Attachments". I presume this doesn't imply that candidates are also expected to attach a cover letter (as if this were the case, the application form would surely be more explicit about this)?
Happy to tackle these individually!
“Client Sector” question
You’re absolutely right that client sector refers to a commercial industry (such as finance, life sciences, real estate, tech, energy, etc.) rather than a legal practice area. DLA Piper organises a lot of its work around these industries, so this question is designed to see:
1. Which sector interests you most, and
2. Whether you understand the current commercial situation within it
So yes - you should discuss both the article and the sector it relates to. Use the article as a starting point: briefly summarise its content, explain why that topic or sector interests you, and then link it to your personal or professional ambitions (e.g. why that industry excites you, how it connects to your skill set or long-term goals, and why DLA’s work in that space appeals to you).
The “personal experience” question
Linking it back to DLA Piper at the end sounds like a great idea. The main focus should still be on your experience and how it shaped your motivation for a legal career, but connecting that insight to why DLA Piper fits your ambitions shows reflection and firm-specific motivation - this is the kind of tailored approach that the graduate recruitment team will be looking for!
The “additional attachments“ section
If the firm hasn’t specified that you need to include a cover letter (either within the application form, or on the website), I would assume that this isn’t necessary. As the application form includes targeted questions, this effectively replaces a traditional cover letter. The extra attachment box may be there in case you need to upload transcripts, references, or any other additional documents.
Overall, it seems like your approach is spot on! Best of luck with your application
