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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
STORIES HUB
Application advice, tips, and resources
How to make the most of your internship: Clare Hibbert’s advice for standing out
DLA Piper trainee Clare Hibbert reflects on her journey from university to practice, sharing practical advice on how to make the most out of your internship.
One firm, one global community: Martin Haller on building connections that go beyond work
From Munich to Melbourne, Partner Martin Haller reflects on how collaboration across offices and cultures creates a truly connected way of working.
Sustainability in action with Venessa Parekh
For Venesssa Parekh, Head of Sustainability in EMEA and APAC, sustainability means equipping people with the knowledge and skills to understand sustainability risks and opportunities to support our clients in an evolving landscape.
Step into the world of commercial law: UK insight events for students
At our Law, unlocked insight events in the UK, students stepped inside our offices to meet our people, explore life at DLA Piper and see how careers in commercial law can take shape.
High performance starts with a supportive team: In conversation with Aimee Harper
Aimee Harper, an Associate in Finance, reflects on how collaboration, collective experience and a supportive team drive high performance, personal growth and exceptional outcomes for clients.
The path to partnership: Manuel Indelkofer’s journey
Dr. Manuel Indelkofer reflects on his journey from junior associate to partner, sharing how his approach to leadership has evolved and what aspiring partners need to succeed.
Be bold enough to ask: Gigi Lockhart on shaping your career
Senior Associate, Gigi Lockhart shares how stepping beyond her role and taking on new challenges helped her shape her career and build relationships across DLA Piper’s international network.
The mindset that drives high performance, with Drew Moss
Drew Moss, Head of Talent, explores how mindset, feedback, resilience and wellbeing work together to drive sustainable high performance.
Be curious about what comes next, with Joanne Conway
From taking stretch assignments to embracing change, Joanne's path to Head of Inclusion & Culture for EMEA and APAC shows how progress happens when you’re willing to ask, learn and step up.
What makes DLA Piper different? A conversation with Peter Somekh
Peter Somekh, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, shares how a culture of challenge and collaboration has shaped his career, and continues to push him to grow.
What a Solicitor Apprenticeship can offer: Alix Leatherday's career journey
Alix Leatherday chose the Solicitor Apprenticeship route, combining global exposure with practical training inside our Manchester office. From day one, she's earning her degree while working on high-profile matters that count.
A day in the life of a Solicitor Apprentice, with Sophie Kenny
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Sophie gives us a glimpse into her role in the Leeds office. Now in her fifth year, she’s working with lawyers across the globe and gaining hands-on legal experience, all while earning her degree.
What does global mean at DLA Piper?
From London to Johannesburg, our people deliver work that crosses borders, industries, and expectations, because ambition without limits needs a global platform.
Discovery Days, unlocked
Our Discovery Days give you real insight into the work, the people, and the pace of DLA Piper.
From Summer Intern to Associate: Mihir’s journey
For Mihir Joshi, joining DLA Piper felt like a natural step – from Intern to Associate, he's seen the values stay consistent while the opportunities keep expanding.
A day in the life of a Summer Intern, with Ammar
As a Summer Intern, based in our Birmingham office, Ammar has been immersed in complex, high-impact work – building confidence, gaining clarity and discovering his potential in the process.
What makes DLA Piper different? Insights from Alyson Eather
Partner, Alyson Eather reflects on the global opportunities, varied experiences and supportive culture that have shaped her career.
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, inclusion, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.