DLA Piper joins 'returner' scheme to get women back into law

International firm DLA Piper has joined the growing number of legal practices committed to a scheme designed to get people back into the profession after a long absence.

The bespoke programme in collaboration with the Reignite Academy focuses on supporting lawyers who have taken a career break. Successful applicants receive a six-month paid work placement and training.

The Reignite Academy was established five years ago with a mission to help lawyers – mostly but not exclusively female – into fulfilling, long-term careers through work placements and coaching programmes.

DLA Piper is the latest in a string of leading firms to have embraced the idea and sought to offer a place for people to return to work.

Liam Cowell, DLA Piper’s UK managing partner, said: ‘Many professionals are required to take time out from their career for various personal reasons; despite this break, a talented lawyer does not lose their potential to provide top class legal counsel to clients.

‘Embracing these talented “returners” into the work place will benefit our firm, our people and our clients. Through this programme, we are able to offer a supportive route back into the legal industry, enabling them to progress their careers once again.’

The programme is open to anyone who trained with a national or international firm who worked a minimum of two years post-qualification and has had either a total career break or explored other paths. DLA offers opportunities in a range of practice areas on an annual salary of between £100,000 and £130,000.

At the end of six months, the intention is that the firm and the associate can make a decision as to whether the role becomes permanent.

Other members of the scheme include RPC, CMS, Hogan Lovells, Orrick, Postlethwaite, Sidley, Travers Smith, Baker McKenzie, Bird & Bird, Mayer Brown, Macfarlanes, Squire Patton Boggs, Maples Group and Harbottle & Lewis.

Case studies published by Reignite include a mother of three who worked with a magic circle firm before taking nine years out of private practice looking after her children, including her youngest who has cerebral palsy. She joined national firm Stevens & Bolton fours years ago after finding out about Reignite through LinkedIn.

Lisa Unwin, co-founder of the Reignite Academy, said there was no correlation between the length of a career break and someone’s ability to get their professional life back on track. 

‘It’s much more about motivation, drive and a love of the law,’ she added. ‘These people originally chose law as a career and left for various reasons, often to do with the demands of juggling career and family. As lives move on and they look to the future, many are eager to return to a challenging, fulfilling career.’