EARLY CAREERS in New Zealand
Summer clerkship
About this programme
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.
Programme details
Explore the intersection between law and business. Develop the foundation of skills you need for a global legal career. You’ll do all this, and more, on our summer clerkship in one of our New Zealand offices: Auckland or Wellington.
This isn’t just a chance to shadow our lawyers. 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 summer 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 summer 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 around the world;
- 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 wellbeing is a priority, and 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.
Show us your strengths in action. Once you've completed your summer clerkship, you could be offered a law clerk position.
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;
- adapt easily to ever-changing environments; and
- take ownership of tasks, think critically, and solve problems creatively.
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 4 March and close at 12pm on 24 March.
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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 14 May. 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 19 May. You’ll have until midday on 30 May to confirm your acceptance.
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Your journey begins
If successful, you’ll start your summer clerkship with us in November 2025. Law clerk roles will commence in March 2026. 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!
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, Law Clerk, 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
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.
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