EARLY CAREERS in Germany

Summer internship

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About this programme

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 six-week summer school in our offices in Germany.

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 programme provides you with the opportunity to discover if a career in an international law firm is the right fit for you. Familiarise yourself with your practice group and give your career the best platform to develop and enhance your skills.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for people from with a variety of experiences and who have the potential to succeed at DLA Piper and thrive in a global legal environment. 

Self-motivated and determined

Self-motivated and determined

You are self-motivated, proactive, ambitious, and determined to pursue goals with purpose. You are focused in your work, especially during moments of challenge.

Curious about law, business and technology

Curious about law, business and technology

You are inquisitive about the world and eager to understand how law intersects with business and technology. You take an active interest in global developments, regulatory change and the commercial context.

Collaborative and inclusive

Collaborative and inclusive

You enjoy working with others and build positive, inclusive relationships. You communicate clearly, listen actively and contribute thoughtfully to team discussions, recognising that the best outcomes are achieved together.

Open-minded and solutions-focused

Open-minded and solutions-focused

You are open minded and proactive, with the confidence to suggest new ideas and challenge conventional thinking. You enjoy problem solving and focus on solutions, not simply the issues.

Critical thinking and sound judgement

Critical thinking and sound judgement

You analyse complex problems and situations from multiple perspectives, weigh evidence objectively and exercise sound judgement. You use AI tools responsibly, recognising both their benefits and limitations.

Accountable and committed to quality

Accountable and committed to quality

You take full responsibility for your outcomes and are committed to delivering high quality in everything that you do. You build trust with others through reliable delivery and have the courage to admit mistakes when they happen.

Growth mindset and continuous learning

Growth mindset and continuous learning

You see learning as a continuous process and respond positively to feedback. You reflect on challenges and mistakes, using them as opportunities to develop, improve and strengthen your performance over time.

Julia Frey, Senior Associate, Corporate, Cologne

I strive to be a mentor and role model for our trainees. My aim is to ensure they feel recognised at DLA Piper and receive support for their individual needs.

Julia Frey
Philipp Gudert, Senior Associate Employment, Hamburg

Having worked at DLA Piper as a Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, Referendar, Associate and now as a Senior Associate in employment law, I never felt like the new person for even a single day; I was immediately part of the team.

Philipp Gudert
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