EARLY CAREERS
Law clerkship
About this programme
We offer a handful of graduate positions at both our DLA Piper offices in New Zealand – Auckland and Wellington. You’ll broaden your knowledge of the law as well as the practical skills that will stay with you for your entire career.
Programme details
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 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.
During the clerkship, you will:
- 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;
- be supported by a strong network of supervisors and buddies who will help you build confidence and identify your personal and professional goals;
- be part of an early careers community, full of talented colleagues who’ll become part of your network;
- explore opportunities beyond your role, including legal tech, sustainability, and pro bono work, to gain an authentic insight into life at DLA Piper; and
- enjoy a supportive working environment where your workload is managed so you can always deliver your best.
You’ll have the freedom to discover your own path and make an extraordinary impact beyond the borders of traditional law. Tomorrow’s legal industry can’t hire yesterday’s skills.
Unlock your potential and start building a different kind of legal career.
What do we look for?
We’re looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.
To succeed on our early careers programmes, you don’t need any specific legal experience or education, but you will:
- have an interest in corporate and commercial law and business;
- have a forward-thinking and entrepreneurial mindset and be excited about doing things differently in the legal industry;
- be self-motivated, with a strong desire to achieve your personal and professional goals;
- thrive in collaborative environments, naturally building relationships with others;
- possess a growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities for learning and development; and
- adapt easily to ever-changing environments.
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.
Recruitment roadmap
What to expect
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Assessment centre
The final stage is our assessment centre on Wednesday 14 May 2025. 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.
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Offers
Offers will be made following the assessment centre. Successful candidates will join our law clerkship programme, which starts in March 2026. We’re open to discussing alternative start dates based on your circumstances.
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.
Kyle Grimsley, Solicitor, Auckland
Whether you're in the lunchroom or at your desk, there’s a strong sense of community and support that surrounds you. There are no cliques or sub-groups within the juniors of the firm – instead, we function as one cohesive group, both in and outside of work, creating a genuinely inclusive and friendly environment.
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.
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.
Life at DLA Piper
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