Interview with Folu Babatope: Trainee Solicitor at DLA Piper

Hi Folu, thank you for agreeing to speak with me today. Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I am currently a Trainee Solicitor at DLA Piper. I will be finishing my first year soon.

What interests, experiences and advice led you to decide on a career as a Commercial Solicitor?

Interests: I have always been interested in law and business. When exploring career paths, Commercial law seemed like a suitable option for me. In secondary school, I mostly enjoyed subjects that required forming arguments, analysing information and writing essays, such as history and government and politics. At university, I selected commercial law, company law, and competition law as my optional modules. I enjoyed them, performed well, and developed an interest in commercial law.

Experiences: I completed informal work experience at high street law firms specialising in Immigration law and Family law, which gave me a good idea about what solicitors do. It also helped me realise I wasn't too keen on those areas of law, as they felt too personal for me. After that, I began to look for legal experience in commercial law specifically. Fortunately, I secured two informal work experience placements at Baker McKenzie and Freshfields. I thoroughly enjoyed them and went on to complete vacation schemes at three city law firms, including the one I am with now. By then, I was sure I wanted to become a commercial solicitor because those experiences showed me how impactful and broad commercial law can be.

Advice / Networking: I found support from social mobility networks valuable. I applied to SEO London in 2015, which helped me access open days at top law firms and build my commercial awareness. I also registered with Rare Recruitment, which supported my applications and helped me progress through multiple assessment stages. Finally, I applied to the BLD Foundation's Legal Launchpad scheme, which helped me secure a week's work experience, strengthen my applications, and access networking events. I believe they refined me into a strong applicant who could secure vacation schemes and training contracts.

You achieved a distinction on your LPC. What is your best advice for incoming LPC students on obtaining a high grade?

The key is organisation. I studied my LPC at the University of Law and sat open-book exams. In my view, and in the view of other trainee solicitors I have spoken to, the LPC isn't necessarily complex but has a heavy workload. There is a lot of information. I believe that if you don't stay on top of things, it may overwhelm you.

Secondly, do not isolate yourself. Work with other students where you can. Other people may have made notes that can help you. Preparing together, within the university's guidelines, of course, may improve your studying experience.

What advice do you have for aspiring solicitors with the application process?

Be strategic; always think about how you approach the process at every stage. First and foremost, get your applications in as soon as possible. Firms will not wait on a suitable applicant. Know the opening dates and the firms you want to apply to well in advance. This made a big difference for me when I received multiple vacation schemes.

Second, remember that quality matters more than quantity. Don't waste time completing 30 applications. They aren't easy; factor in time to draft them, have them reviewed, and get them corrected. Apply to a select few firms that you have researched well and genuinely want to work for. Personally, I would say 8 is a good number.

Finally, get help where you can. Sometimes you may think that your application is good, but it may not be. It is wise to get a second pair of eyes who know what firms look for in candidates. Also, ask for help at every stage of the process, including when preparing for assessment centres.

Why did you apply to DLA Piper?

I knew I wanted to work in a global firm. I wanted to work internationally with a diverse range of people. When I was researching, I looked for law firms that promoted their international aspect well for their trainees. DLA Piper did this. I was also fortunate to gain insight from a lawyer at DLA Piper whom I regard very highly about what work-life was like there. He spoke highly of the firm. For both reasons, I applied for a vacation scheme, through which I obtained my training contract.

How was the vacation scheme?

I thoroughly enjoyed my vacation scheme. What solidified my decision to train with the firm was the diversity I saw there. As a black woman, I was looking for black female lawyers at senior levels. Unfortunately, a lack of racial diversity is widespread in the legal profession. I saw that DLA Piper was working to change this; they have quite a few black female leaders.

So far, I believe the firm has supported me as much as it can. Due to the pandemic, the training contract structure has been quite different. For example, I have been working remotely. However, they have implemented regular social events and facilitated measures to make training feel as office-like as possible. Overall, I have the freedom to choose whichever seats I want, as there is no requirement to take specific seats, which I really like.

What seats have you done so far, and how have you found them?

So far, I have completed a seat in litigation, specifically in a construction and infrastructure disputes subgroup, which, honestly, wasn't for me. I was surprised because I enjoyed studying the dispute resolution module on the LPC and thought I would become a litigator. In reality, it wasn't for me.

My second seat, which I am currently doing, is in real estate, which I am thoroughly enjoying. It is practical and relevant to real life, so even though DLA Piper practices commercial real estate, I have found that my work applies to everyday life; I am in the process of moving home and have found myself applying what I have learned at work. I think this field is where I may qualify.