About this programme
Our four-week, in-person paid summer internship will show you what we do, how we work and the impact we make in Singapore 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 four-week internship in our Singapore office.
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 internship 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 internship, you will:
- experience the complexities of our work and discover how you can make a real impact around the world. 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, buddies, and mentors to develop your confidence and identify your own personal and professional goals;
- be part of an international early careers community full of talented colleagues who’ll become part of your global network;
- have opportunities to explore interests beyond your role, including legal tech, sustainability and pro bono work, to give you an authentic insight into life at DLA Piper; and
- enjoy a supportive working environment where your wellbeing is always 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.
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, in addition to the eligibility criteria:
- have an interest in international law and business;
- have a forward-thinking and entrepreneurial mindset and will be excited about doing things differently in the legal industry;
- be self-motivated by a strong desire to achieve your personal and professional goals;
- enjoy collaborating with others and will be instinctively socially aware;
- have a growth mindset so you see setbacks as learning opportunities, and you’ll proactively look for ways to grow and develop;
- enjoy working in an ever-changing environment; and
- enjoy taking ownership of tasks and thinking critically.
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 our Early Careers team 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
Complete our application form to give us some key information about you. We’ll also ask you about why you’re applying to DLA Piper. And we’ll ask you to submit a CV.
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Online assessment
We use a Watson Glaser assessment to test your critical thinking. The online assessment is untimed and you can complete it at your own pace. But you have to complete your assessment within five working days of receiving the link. There are various practice Watson Glaser assessments online. We recommend you spend some time practising to get used to the types of questions you may be asked. We’ll also send you a link with a further practice assessment. We recommend completing this before you do the final assessment.
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Interview
The strengths-based interviews will assess your motivations for and alignment to the role you’ve applied for. They’re focused on the behaviours that are important for success at DLA Piper. The interview is also your chance to demonstrate your strengths and help us get to know you better.
Andhari Sidharta, Senior Associate, Singapore
Being an M&A lawyer in DLA Piper has provided me with valuable opportunities to work on a diverse range of complex but interesting deals across various industries and jurisdictions and build my expertise.
Michelle Chua, Associate, Singapore
The culture at DLA Piper is bold, exceptional, supportive and collaborative. We work hard but also play hard together.
Anne Klaassen, Tax Advisor, Singapore
At DLA Piper, an international, cross-border vision, entrepreneurship, and innovative ideas are supported and there is a strong emphasis on collaboration across borders and practice groups.
David Smail, Partner, Singapore
DLA Piper is a firm where if you have a vision and a desire to grow, you will be supported and given the freedom to thrive.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions,
answered
We don’t have minimum academic grade requirements, and we accept applications from law students in any year of undergraduate study.
If you do have any mitigating circumstances that you’d like us to take into account alongside your application, please contact us to discuss further.
Please contact our Recruitment team who’ll be happy to help.
Life at DLA Piper
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Innovation
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