About this programme
As a lawyer trainee, you’ll join a practice group full time where you’ll learn what we do, how we work and the impact we make in Belgium and across the world.
Programme details
Explore the intersection between law and business. Discover how an international law firm makes an impact in Belgium and around the world. Develop the skills you need for a global legal career. You’ll do all this and more on our bar traineeship in our Brussels office.
As a trainee, you'll start a global career that transcends traditional boundaries. You'll be part of a firm that embraces new ideas and fosters progress. With a focus on shaping the future of law, you'll do work that's as diverse as the world we live in.
The international training programme is designed for people who have a global mindset and appreciate the nuances of local contexts. You'll do the most stimulating work, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.
On the bar traineeship, you will:
- be at the forefront of legal innovation, working on high-profile, cross-border projects that will shape the future of law and business. 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 to drive results you're proud of;
- develop your knowledge and skills through structured learning and development opportunities in our supportive culture;
- 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 of talented colleagues who’ll become part of your global network;
- have opportunities to engage with initiatives beyond your role, including getting involved with our people networks, legal tech, sustainability and pro bono work;
- develop a global mindset and have the opportunity to apply for international secondments;
- enjoy a working environment where your wellbeing is always a priority and your workload is managed so you can always deliver your best; and
- emerge from the programme not just as a qualified lawyer, but as a global business advisor equipped to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world.
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 international law and business;
- have a forward-thinking and entrepreneurial mindset and 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 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
Our application form will capture some key information about yourself and will also ask you to submit answers to our application questions regarding your motivations to apply to DLA Piper. We will also ask you to submit a CV and provide your academic transcripts.
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Online assessment
The Watson Glaser online assessment is untimed and to be completed at your own pace. However, you must complete your assessment within five working days of receiving the link. There are various practice Watson Glaser assessments available online and we would recommend spending some time practising these to familiarise yourself with the types of questions you may be asked. You will also be sent a link from us with a further practice assessment you can take before undertaking the final assessment.
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Assessment centre
The final stage is an assessment centre. It will comprise of exercises which give you the chance to demonstrate your strengths and help us get to know you better.
Wout Priem, Lawyer, Brussels
The collaborative spirit here is remarkable. We tackle complex issues together, and every opinion is valued.
Andi Zrza, Lead Lawyer, Brussels
A career at DLA Piper carries a few promises: you will never be bored, and you will face problems you haven’t seen before. Above all, you will meet amazing people.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions,
answered
Yes, we'll expect you to have some prior legal work experience.
Yes, you'll need to have completed your Master degree in law before the bar traineeship start date.
Please contact Magdalena Sakowska (Talent Acquisition Business Partner).
Life at DLA Piper
Our culture empowers everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. With the resources to seize opportunities, discover your path, and realise our potential together, see how we support you.
Innovation
Law& combines law and innovation to create value, delivering efficient legal services and unlocks transformative change. Join our creative, growing team to help leaders harness innovation and efficiency to achieve their goals together.
Job Search
Explore career opportunities across our international locations, find your perfect role, and join a team where innovation, diversity, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.