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EARLY CAREERS in New Zealand

Summer clerkship

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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. 

Download more information

Kickstart your legal career

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
What you will do

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.  

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, 4 March 2025
  • Applications close: 12pm Monday, 24 March 2025
  • Summer clerkship duration: Three months
  • Summer clerkship start date: Mid-November 2025
  • Summer clerkship end date: Late February 2026
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 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.

    • 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.

    • 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 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.

    • Offers

      Successful applicants will receive offers on 19 May. You’ll have until midday on 30 May to confirm your acceptance.

    • 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!

    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
    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. 

    Kyle Grimsley
    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 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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