EARLY CAREERS in New Zealand

Law clerkship

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Unlock your potential

Develop the foundation of skills you need for a global legal career, based in one of our New Zealand offices: Auckland or Wellington. You’ll play a real role in our teams and take on responsibility from day one. Whether attending court hearings, working with clients, or developing your professional network, you’ll experience the cutting edge of the legal sector. You'll discover how law can unlock potential – around the world and in your own career. That includes seeing how a purpose-led organisation makes a difference through pro bono work and sustainability commitments.

The law clerkship is your chance to see if law is a career you can thrive in. Working across our practice groups and sectors, you’ll be giving your career the best platform by developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that will support your professional growth.

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Unlock your potential

What you will do

  • Experience the complexities of our work and discover how you can make a real impact. You’ll see how we think across borders to find creative solutions for our clients.
  • Join a forward-looking, friendly team while collaborating with colleagues.
  • Develop your knowledge and skills through structured learning and development opportunities, while building your network. 
  • Explore further interests like legal, tech, sustainability and pro bono work.
  • Enjoy a supportive working environment where your workload is managed so you can always deliver your best.
What you will do

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for people from with a variety of experiences and who have the potential to succeed at DLA Piper and thrive in a global legal environment. 

Self-motivated and determined

Self-motivated and determined

You are self-motivated, proactive, ambitious, and determined to pursue goals with purpose. You are focused in your work, especially during moments of challenge.

Curious about law, business and technology

Curious about law, business and technology

You are inquisitive about the world and eager to understand how law intersects with business and technology. You take an active interest in global developments, regulatory change and the commercial context.

Collaborative and inclusive

Collaborative and inclusive

You enjoy working with others and build positive, inclusive relationships. You communicate clearly, listen actively and contribute thoughtfully to team discussions, recognising that the best outcomes are achieved together.

Open-minded and solutions-focused

Open-minded and solutions-focused

You are open minded and proactive, with the confidence to suggest new ideas and challenge conventional thinking. You enjoy problem solving and focus on solutions, not simply the issues.

Critical thinking and sound judgement

Critical thinking and sound judgement

You analyse complex problems and situations from multiple perspectives, weigh evidence objectively and exercise sound judgement. You use AI tools responsibly, recognising both their benefits and limitations.

Accountable and committed to quality

Accountable and committed to quality

You take full responsibility for your outcomes and are committed to delivering high quality in everything that you do. You build trust with others through reliable delivery and have the courage to admit mistakes when they happen.

Growth mindset and continuous learning

Growth mindset and continuous learning

You see learning as a continuous process and respond positively to feedback. You reflect on challenges and mistakes, using them as opportunities to develop, improve and strengthen your performance over time.

Are you eligible?

You'll be in your final year of undergraduate study.

You'll have the right to work in New Zealand full time for the duration of the programme. We are unable to sponsor visas for the law clerkship.

You should only complete one application i.e. law clerkship OR summer clerkship. Please reach out to nzcareers@dlapiper.com if you are unsure which clerkship to apply for.

Key dates

  • Applications open: 9am Tuesday, 3 March 2026
  • Applications close: 12pm Tuesday, 24 March 2026
  • Law clerkship duration: This is a full-time, permanent role.
  • Start date: Typically, our graduates commence in March 2027, but we are happy to discuss alternative start dates to suit your personal circumstances.
Key dates

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

      Submit your application, including:

      • Cover letter: Tell us why you’d like to work at DLA Piper.
      • CV: Highlight your work experience, community involvement, and interests outside of study.
      • Academic transcript: Demonstrate your academic progress.
    • Video interview

      As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a video interview designed to assess your motivations and alignment to the role. The interview consists of three questions giving you the chance to demonstrate the skills and qualities needed to succeed at DLA Piper.

    • Coffee chat

      If you progress to the next stage, we’ll invite you for a coffee chat before 13 May. This is an informal opportunity for you to meet with our people and learn more about life at DLA Piper. It’s also a chance for us to get to know you better in a relaxed setting.

    • Assessment day

      The final stage is our assessment day on Wednesday 6 May 2026. This will include an interview to discuss your motivations, experiences, and aspirations. Team and individual exercises will allow you to demonstrate your strengths, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach.

    • Offers

      Offers will be made following the assessment day. Successful applicants will join our law clerkship programme, which starts in March 2027. We’re open to discussing alternative start dates based on your circumstances.

    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, Associate, 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
    James Beasley, Solicitor, Wellington

    Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to develop, and the level of mentorship and support within the firm has been exceptional.

    James Beasley
    Hannah Retimana, Solicitor, Auckland

    DLA Piper’s global reach, combined with a strong domestic client base, sets it apart. I have had the opportunity to work with international clients while also supporting leading New Zealand organisations. This breadth of experience, alongside strong client relationships, makes the work both challenging and rewarding.

    Hannah Retimana
    Ruby Medlicott, Associate, Auckland

    While the opportunity to collaborate with DLA Piper colleagues internationally is invaluable, it is the people that has made my time here so great. DLA Piper provides a welcoming, supportive and accepting environment – perfect for young lawyers who are just starting out!

    Ruby Medlicott
      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      Your questions,
      answered

      We'll work with you to understand your preference and support that when we can. Whilst it is common for law clerks to rotate through different practice groups, giving you exposure to different areas of law, this is not required. We'll work with you to help you identify where your interests and strengths lie.

      You’ll be supported every step of the way by:

      • a supervisor who will guide your work; and
      • a buddy who’ll help you settle in and answer questions.

      No. We assess candidates holistically, looking at your skills, attributes, and potential beyond just academic results.

      Yes. If you have mitigating circumstances that you’d like us to consider, please include a brief explanation in your cover letter.

      No. You don’t need any prior legal work experience to apply. We’re interested in your potential, mindset, and enthusiasm to learn.

      You’ll join a friendly, supportive team where your ideas are valued, and your contributions make a real impact. We believe in helping you thrive personally and professionally.

      Please contact our team at nzcareers@dlapiper.com.

      DLA Piper New Zealand collects, uses and discloses your personal information in accordance with our Privacy policy. That privacy policy incorporates our Recruitment-specific Privacy Notice.

      Please note that like many employers, we use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist us throughout the recruitment process. A human will always make the ultimate hiring decisions and your personal information will not be used to train any AI models. For more information on the AI tools we use in our recruitment process and how we will process your personal information in using those tools, see our AI Supplemental Privacy Notice.

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