Kickstart your legal career
Our three-month, in-person paid summer clerkship will show you what we do, how we work and the impact we make in New Zealand and around the world. Explore the intersection of law and business, take on real responsibilities from day one, and develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need for a global legal career. Attend court hearings, work with clients, and grow your professional network while seeing how a purpose-led organisation makes a real difference through pro bono work and sustainability commitments. Give your career the best platform and discover if law is the right path for you.
Once you've completed your summer clerkship, you could be offered a law clerk position.
What you will do
- Experience the complexities of our work and discover how you can make a real impact around the world
- Join a forward-looking, friendly team while collaborating with colleagues around the world
- Get structured learning and mentorship, while building your network
- Explore further interests like legal, tech, sustainability and pro bono work
- Thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises your wellbeing

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 a current student in your penultimate 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 summer clerkship.
You should only complete one application i.e. summer clerkship OR law 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
- Summer clerkship duration: Three months
- Summer clerkship start date: Mid-November 2026
- Summer clerkship end date: Late February 2027
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.

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 form to share key information about yourself. We’ll ask you to provide a CV, your academic transcript, and a cover letter explaining why you’re interested in DLA Piper. Applications open at 9am on 3 March 2026 and close at 12pm on 24 March 2026.
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Video interview
As part of your application, you’ll be invited to complete a video interview. This is your chance to share more about yourself, your motivations, and how your strengths align with the role. You'll be asked to answer three questions. You can complete this at your own pace, but we recommend preparing ahead to make the most of this opportunity.
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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 day
The final stage of the process is the assessment day on Wednesday 6 May 2026. This in-person event will include an interview, team, and individual exercises. The activities are designed to reflect real challenges you may face as part of our team, allowing you to demonstrate your strengths, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
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Offers
Successful applicants will receive offers on 18 May 2026. You’ll have until midday on 29 May 2026 to confirm your acceptance.
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Your journey begins
If successful, you’ll start your summer clerkship with us in Mid-November 2026. Law clerk roles will commence in March 2027. This is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work alongside our people, and take the first step in building your legal career at DLA Piper. We look forward to meeting you!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Tayla McEntee, Senior Associate, Auckland
DLA Piper offers global opportunities which are second to none, but the Auckland and Wellington offices still have a distinctly New Zealand feel. Our global presence allows us to have the opportunity to work with significant and well-known international clients, giving us excellent opportunities to work on the top international and domestic matters in New Zealand.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions,
answered
Our summer clerkship is a paid, three-month opportunity for penultimate year law students to experience what it’s like to work at DLA Piper. You’ll gain hands-on experience across our practice groups, work with clients, and develop the skills needed to launch your legal career.
The programme is designed for penultimate-year law students preparing for their final year of study. You must also have the right to work full-time in New Zealand for the programme duration. Unfortunately, we’re unable to sponsor visas for this programme.
You’ll work across practice groups in your chosen office (Auckland or Wellington), take on real responsibilities, and learn from top legal professionals. Expect to:
- attend client meetings, team events and potentially court hearings;
- participate in training sessions and development workshops;
- be supported by your supervisor and buddy throughout the programme; and
- discover how we contribute beyond the law, including pro bono work and sustainability projects.
We'll work with you to understand your preference and support that when we can. Whilst it is common for summer 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.
Yes. At the end of the summer clerkship, we will review your performance. Successful clerks may be offered a position in our law clerk programme to continue their career journey with us.
DLA Piper offers a global platform combined with a strong local presence. You’ll experience:
- work that connects law and business;
- a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that embraces fresh ideas; and
- a purpose-led culture where you can unlock your potential, explore legal tech, and contribute to meaningful work.
We’re looking for students with:
- a strong interest in corporate and commercial law and business;
- a growth mindset and willingness to embrace challenges;
- an ability to work collaboratively and think creatively; and
- a proactive, self-motivated approach to learning and contributing.
No. We assess candidates holistically, looking at your skills, attributes, and potential beyond just academic results.
No. You don’t need any prior legal work experience to apply. We’re interested in your potential, mindset, and enthusiasm to learn.
No. The summer clerkship is designed specifically for penultimate-year law students preparing for their final year of study.
Unfortunately, no. Applicants must have the right to work full-time in New Zealand for the duration of the summer clerkship. We are unable to sponsor visas for this programme.
If you demonstrate your strengths and potential, you may be offered a law clerk position, where you’ll continue your journey with DLA Piper after graduation.
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.
You can reach out to 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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