EARLY CAREERS
Discovery days
About this experience
If you’re curious about life at DLA Piper, attending a discovery day is a great place to learn more. We're a world of opportunity, and the key to a global career.
At the event, you will:
- Learn about DLA Piper and discover how we’re redefining what a global law firm can be.
- See how we're focused more on shaping the future than protecting the past, as you learn about our practice groups and sectors and our approach to legal tech, responsible business and sustainability.
- Experience what it's like to work at the firm by meeting our people – the trusted advisors, innovators and game-changers who go above and beyond the challenge the status quo.
- Take part in educational sessions, curated to build your knowledge and skills and help you decide if a career in law is right for you.
- Find out about our early careers programmes and get practical guidance on how to succeed in our application process.
By joining a Discovery Day, you'll be taking a step towards shaping your career.
We look forward to welcoming you and exploring how we can unlock your potential, together.
Programme overview
Watch highlights from our programme in 2023, where we welcomed 100 students from 32 different universities across the UK and Ireland to spend 3 days in our London office. First and second-year students gained insights into life at a global commercial law firm. The attendees heard from current trainees and senior leaders within the firm, giving them an in-depth overview of our practice groups, innovation at DLA Piper, sustainability & resilience, inclusion & diversity and interactive workshops to provide them with professional skills training.
Accessibility
At DLA Piper, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments and removing disability-related barriers. This is so everyone, irrespective of a visible or non-visible disability, neurodivergence, a long-term health condition or injury, has an equitable opportunity to succeed in our recruitment process.
If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please get in touch with our Early Careers team and we will be happy to support you.
We understand that sharing your needs with us may feel daunting. We will have an open discussion with you about what will work best for you in the recruitment process, and you only need to share what you feel comfortable with. Our team will ensure that the information you provide will be treated confidentially. The information will only be shared with others involved in the process, on your approval, and where necessary.
We will use the information you share to put adjustments in place for you at any stage, or at multiple stages, of the recruitment process. This is to enable you to perform to the best of your ability, and to have an equitable opportunity to perform and thrive.
Recruitment roadmap
What to expect
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Application form
Our application form will capture some key information regarding yourself and your studies.
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Motivational question
We will also ask you to submit an answer to an application question regarding your motivations to apply to DLA Piper and in particular our Discovery Day.
Daisy Wong, Associate, Hong Kong
At DLA Piper, I feel encouraged to think creatively about ways to contribute to the team and the wider firm. This includes engaging in substantive client work, contributing to business development events, and participating in legal technology initiatives.
Nicholas Chan, Trainee Solicitor, Hong Kong
DLA Piper has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone to take on more responsibility to develop my professional and legal skills.
Jessica Chow, Associate, Hong Kong
DLA Piper's culture is supportive and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication. The work here is exciting and challenging and no day is the same.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions,
answered
Our Discovery Days are designed to give you a look into what a career at DLA Piper is really like.
The days will provide a great introduction to the legal sector and our practice groups. They will also help build your confidence and your professional skills and workplace capability.
Our Discovery Days are open to both law and non-law students and we do not have academic entry requirements for this programme.
If you are studying a law degree, you can apply for the programme if you are a second year student on a three year course or a third year student on a four year course.
If you are studying a non-law degree, you can apply for the programme if you are in the final year of your course.
We are looking for individuals who can collaborate, be bold, supportive, and exceptional and are committed learning more and pursuing a career with DLA Piper.
We do not have minimum academic requirements at undergraduate level. If you do have any mitigating circumstances that you would like to be taken into consideration alongside your application, please contact us to discuss further.
Our Discovery Days are open to both law and non-law students. They are designed to give you an insight into life at DLA Piper.
On the day, you will:
- Learn about DLA Piper and discover how we’re redefining what a global law firm can be.
- See how we're focused more on shaping the future than protecting the past, as you learn about our practice groups and sectors and our approach to legal tech, responsible business and sustainability.
- Experience what it's like to work at the firm by meeting our people – the trusted advisors, innovators and game-changers who go above and beyond the challenge the status quo.
- Take part in educational sessions, curated to build your knowledge and skills and help you decide if a career in law is right for you.
- Find out about our early careers programmes and get practical guidance on how to succeed in our application process.
Yes, all reasonable travel costs will be covered.
Yes, whilst you will discover the global reach of our work, the Discovery Day is a chance to find out more about the office, people etc. where you would want to undertake your Summer Internship.
No, we don't have a specific application deadline as we recruit on a rolling basis. This means once we have enough applications for a role, we will close the role for any further applications. We therefore recommend you apply early for any role you're interested in.
If you are successful in gaining a place on one of our Discovery Days, the early careers team will be in touch prior to the day to check for any reasonable adjustments you might require to attend.
Life at DLA Piper
Our culture empowers everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. With the resources to seize opportunities, discover your path, and realise our potential together, see how we support you.
Innovation
Law& combines law and innovation to create value, delivering efficient legal services and unlocks transformative change. Join our creative, growing team to help leaders harness innovation and efficiency to achieve their goals together.
Job Search
Explore career opportunities across our international locations, find your perfect role, and join a team where innovation, diversity, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.