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Americas

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Europe

Middle East

Early careers in the Middle East

It’s time to build a different kind of legal career

Hero

Opportunity,
unlocked

We’re a world of opportunity, and the key to a global legal career. Here, you’ll have the freedom to seize opportunities and discover your own path. Come and make an extraordinary impact beyond the borders of traditional law.

OUR PROGRAMMES

Explore Middle East-wide
opportunities

  • Africa
  • Asia Pacific
  • Europe
  • Middle East

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Virtual job simulations

Virtual job simulations

Give your career the best platform and explore a career in law.

International training programme

International training programme

The opportunities and experiences you'll have on our international training programme - with trainees across our UK, Ireland, UAE and Hong Kong offices - will help you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to succeed in a career in law.

Summer internship

Summer internship

During our four week, in-person paid summer internship you'll start to build the foundation of a global legal career, collaborating with colleagues and clients on high-value matters that shape industries.

Furas internship

Furas internship

A first-of-its-kind opportunity for UAE Nationals to experience life at the heart of a global law firm. Work in one of our world-leading Dubai practice groups or business services teams for 13 months.

Discovery days

Discovery days

If you’re curious about life at DLA Piper, attending a discovery day is a great place to learn more. We're a world of opportunity, and the key to a global career.

Aamir Sheikh, Associate, Dubai

DLA Piper has created a culture that is inclusive, supportive and people focused. I truly believe that what sets DLA Piper apart is that the firm encourages me to reach my full potential and supports me with opportunities that help shape my individual career journey.

Aamir Sheikh
Abdulla Al Matrooshi, Intern, Dubai

It’s exciting to be part of a firm that’s shaping the future of law. Approach your career with confidence and a willingness to grow, because law is as much about adapting and innovating as it is about knowing the rules.

Abdulla Al Matrooshi
Natalia Boustani, Paralegal, Dubai

DLA Piper’s commitment to mentorship, trust, and confidence-building has accelerated my career growth exponentially.

Natalia Boustani
Arman Ghafarokhi, Senior Associate, Dubai

One of the strengths of the firm is the incredibly supportive and collaborative culture that we have and this has helped me and others produce our best work.

Arman Ghafarokhi
Jawad Elazar, Trainee Solicitor, Dubai

DLA Piper is strongly invested in its people and fostering a collaborative culture firm-wide.

Jawad Elazar
Sultan Al jaberi, Intern, Dubai

I'm trusted to take ownership of tasks, interact with clients, and contribute meaningfully to major matters.

Sultan Al jaberi
Fawzi Zeini, Associate, Dubai

The culture at DLA Piper is non-hierarchal, collaborative, supportive and motivating. There is a sense of equity and camaraderie among colleagues that contributes to an authentic team atmosphere. 

Fawzi Zeini

    Life at DLA Piper

    At DLA Piper, we don’t put limits on our people. Starting with ensuring everyone can be themselves, to providing everything they need to realise their full potential, you’ll have everything you need to seize the world of opportunity on offer.

    Sustainability

    Sustainability and ESG are core to our firm. Our team plays a crucial role in helping clients transition to and thrive in a sustainable future.

    Inclusion and positive
    social impact

    Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people.

    International training programme

    Develop the knowledge and skills to give your career the best platform

    Staying connected Induction Community membership Professional qualifications Rotations Secondments Law& Self-paced training journey Support and pastoral care Beyond the programme International training programme

    Staying connected

    Between completing your internship and starting your training programme, you'll participate in our award-winning stay connected programme which includes:

    • A buddy programme, connecting you with a current graduate to provide peer advice and guidance
    • Access to job opportunities and our justice scholarship programme
    • In person stay connected events
    • Virtual knowledge and skills development sessions
    • Dedicated support from your early careers programme manager

    Induction

    Your induction will take place in London with your international peers. We'll give you everything you need to give your career at DLA Piper the best start. You'll hear from our senior leaders, participate in experiential training sessions and join social and networking events. Your induction will be fun, educational and memorable – through learning more about life at DLA Piper, you'll finish the induction ready to start your first rotation. 

    Community membership

    You'll join our international early careers community, connecting you with colleagues across our offices and practice groups. 

    You'll work, learn and grow together. Your peers will inspire and support you, and you'll share in each other's success. 

    Professional qualifications

    We'll fund the postgraduate tuition you need to be a lawyer in your jurisdiction, and we'll provide financial sponsorship to support your living costs during your studies. 

    Rotations

    You'll complete four, six-month rotations in our practice groups. These rotational experiences are designed to give you access to the most interesting work across our different areas of legal practice, broadening your knowledge, skills and network. We'll work with you to understand your preferences for each rotation, and you'll be doing work you're proud of. 

    Secondments

    We're a world of opportunity, and the key to a global career.

    You'll be able to apply to take part in international secondments from your second rotation onwards.

    Recent international secondment locations include Singapore, Bangkok, Belgium, Dubai and Hong Kong.

    Law&

    Law& provides disruptive legal, technology and business solutions. It unites law and innovation to create value, and you'll have opportunities to get involved in our Law& journey. We welcome new ideas because we know open minds unlock exciting futures. 

    You'll have plenty of opportunities to innovate and be creative. You'll participate in design thinking training, develop your knowledge of legal tech and use AI tools in your day-to-day work. 

    Self-paced training journey

    Your programme is designed to give you the knowledge, skills and opportunity to thrive in the future world of work. You'll develop a global mindset of curiosity and continuous learning. You'll participate in training to develop your knowledge and skills, and we also encourage you to proactively find learning opportunities for yourself. 

    The DLA Piper Academy contains curated, purposeful learning resources to support you throughout your career journey. 

    Support and pastoral care

    You'll have an early careers programme manager to support your development on the programme. You'll meet for regular coaching conversations, and your programme manager will work with you to help you seize opportunities and discover your own path. 

    You'll also be supported by your buddy, supervisor, office trainee partner and our people networks. You'll be encouraged to find a mentor, too. 

    We're committed to investing in and supporting efforts to improve our people's mental health and wellbeing. Our Health & Wellbeing programme has extensive resources to help you develop sustainable working habits.  

    Together, we'll unlock your potential. 

    Beyond the programme

    As you approach the end of your programme, we'll work with you to understand your longer-term career aspirations and make sure you're ready to qualify. 

    We'll work hard to help you achieve your goals. And we'll support you as you move into your first role as a qualified lawyer. You'll learn how to take control of your career as you move into this next exciting phase of professional growth. 

    We'll enjoy end of programme celebrations together, too! 

    Frequently asked questions

    Your questions,
    answered

    GenAI is a powerful tool that creates content by learning from data, text, images, audio, and more. It’s transforming how we work and will likely shape your career. Used well, it can support your job search; used poorly, it can undermine your integrity.

    In our recruitment processes, we want to see your authentic potential, your experiences, strengths, and aspirations. Integrity is essential in the legal profession, so if you use GenAI, do so ethically and transparently.

    Smart Use of GenAI:

    • Learn its limits and risks.
    • Be transparent about how you’ve used it.
    • Understand the basics of how it works.
    • Use it to explore roles that match your goals.
    • Support your ideas but always personalise the output.
    • Structure your thoughts, then edit the draft yourself.
    • Check spelling and clarity.
    • Remove personal data before inputting anything.
    • Ask for prep tips (e.g., for assessments).
    • Practice interviews with sample questions.

    Poor Use of GenAI:

    • Using GenAI to complete assessments.
    • Misrepresenting your skills or experiences.
    • Submitting unedited AI-generated content.
    • Using vague prompts.
    • Not fact-checking outputs.
    • Replacing your own thinking.
    • Reading scripted AI responses in interviews.

    Explore how we're helping clients understand the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence here.

    No, you can only apply to one location per year. If you apply to multiple positions, we will only accept your first application. 

    Yes, but you'll need to apply for a role in the next recruitment season. We won't accept another application for the same intake, but do encourage you to reapply in subsequent years.

    If you have any mitigating circumstances that you'd like to be taken into consideration alongside your application, please contact us to discuss further.

    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.

    Learn more

    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.

    Learn more

    Job Search

    Explore career opportunities across our international locations, find your perfect role, and join a team where innovation, inclusion, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.

    Learn more
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