Dan Belli’s career at DLA Piper is a story of growth, impact, and opportunity. After earning the title of HR Professional of the Year in 2024, Dan has continued to shape the future of People Experience across the firm. Recently promoted to HR Director - People Experience, he reflects on how DLA Piper has given him the platform to lead transformative, international projects and unlock potential on a global scale.
What does your new role as HR Director - People Experience mean for you?
Stepping into this role marks an exciting evolution in my career. It’s an opportunity to help drive the HR function forward as we navigate recent changes across the firm.
What I value most is the breadth of the role. It gives me the scope to influence the entire HR calendar and cycle of activity. It’s a space where I can help deliver real value, strengthen our processes, and shape how People Experience is delivered across regions.
What led to your HR Professional of the Year award in 2025?
Honestly, the recognition was less about me and more about the exceptional work of the project team. We delivered a complex programme across the international perimeter, managing multiple modules, timelines, and stakeholders.
The award reflected our ability to meet a challenging schedule across multiple countries and processes, whilst continuing to deliver business as usual. It was a proud moment for the whole team.
Which international projects have you worked on that stand out?
One of the most significant was the SuccessFactors go‑live. Our major HR technology implementation that required strong coordination across regions is something I am really proud to have been a part of.
Another standout was working with colleagues in the Law& department as they launched the Flexible Lawyers offering (Law&). It’s not often that People Experience plays a central role in building a revenue‑generating service from zero. Helping the Law& team shape their offering from the ground up was a unique and rewarding experience.
How has DLA Piper enabled you to lead global initiatives?
The international nature of the firm means I work with colleagues across multiple locations every single day. That constant global collaboration broadens your perspective and sharpens your approach.
There’s also a real appetite for new and improved technology and more efficient ways of working across the firm. That desire to challenge the status quo creates a culture where innovation is encouraged and where leading global initiatives are possible.
What have you learned about creating a great people experience across regions?
I’m still learning, and that’s a good thing! I think People Experience isn’t something you ever fully “finish.”
I encourage my team to always put themselves in the shoes of our people. We constantly question why we do things the way we do today, and whether the process could be simpler tomorrow.
Great people experience starts with empathy and curiosity.
What excites you most about the future of People Experience at DLA Piper?
We have a genuine opportunity to reshape how HR is perceived across the firm. By streamlining processes, improving how work flows across regions, and modernising our approach, we can make a real difference to people's daily experiences.
It feels like we’re at the start of something transformational. And I'm excited to lead it.
