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EARLY CAREERS in New Zealand

Discovery days

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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. 

The discovery day will be held in our Wellington and Auckland offices, with an option for virtual participation online. Scheduled during the August/September university break, successful applicants will be notified of their place in June 2025.

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 to 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. 

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.

Self-motivated and highly driven

Self-motivated and highly driven

You are proactive and strive for excellence. You pursue goals with purpose and determination, whether working independently or as part of a team.

Excitement for international law and business

Excitement for international law and business

You are curious about global legal developments, regulatory shifts and geopolitical trends.

Strong collaborator with social awareness

Strong collaborator with social awareness

You are an excellent communicator, active listener and team player who contributes to an inclusive, supportive work environment.

Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge the norm

Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge the norm

You think creatively, embrace new ideas and challenge conventional approaches. You thrive in challenging environments and aim to excel.

Ability to think critically, adapt and take ownership

Ability to think critically, adapt and take ownership

You have an ability to assess situations from multiple perspectives, adapt quickly to change and take responsibility for delivering exceptional results.

Growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities

Growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities

You are resilient, reflective, and always eager to learn, leveraging setbacks as an opportunity to sharpen your thinking.  

Download our brochure

Our dynamic environment encourages individuality, growth, and commercial excellence, offering complex, cross-border work that transcends legal systems. With a global network of talented professionals, you’ll gain international experience, support, and training while making a meaningful impact beyond traditional law.

Download our brochure

Download our brochure

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 us 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.

Accessibility
    Recruitment roadmap

    What to expect

    • Application form

      In your application you will need to include your CV, detailing your work experience, community involvement and outside interests and your academic transcript.

    • Confirmation

      We will contact you via email in June to let you know if you have secured a place on our 2026 Discovery Day.

    • When and where?

      The Discovery Day will take place during the August/September university break and is held in our Wellington and Auckland offices, with an option for virtual participation online.

    What to expect
    Huma Shehzad, Solicitor, Auckland

    I’ve learned that every day brings something new. Since starting, I’ve gained significant confidence in my legal skills, from conducting research and writing emails to drafting court documents, and these abilities are consistently challenged. 

    Huma Shehzad
    Michael Fitzpatrick-Cockram, Solicitor, Wellington

    Get stuck in! There are so many opportunities, and if you are willing to take every chance and do a great job, you will be given the autonomy to make it your own.

    Michael Fitzpatrick-Cockram
      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      Your questions,
      answered

      Our discovery day is designed to give you a look into what a career at DLA Piper is really like. You'll gain a great introduction to the legal sector and our practice groups. It will also help build your confidence and your professional skills.

      This opportunity is for students not yet eligible to apply for clerkships. The discovery day is open to students in their antepenultimate year of study. This equates to the third year of study for students completing a five-year degree.

      We are looking for individuals who can collaborate, be bold, supportive, and exceptional and are committed to learning more and pursuing a career with DLA Piper.

      Yes, the deadline is 12pm, Monday 24th March 2025.

      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.

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