Kickstart your legal career
Our two-month, in-person paid internship will show you what we do, how we work and the impact we make in the Netherlands and around the world.
Explore the intersection of law and business, take on real responsibilities from day one, and develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need for a global legal career. Attend court hearings, work with clients, and grow your professional network while seeing how a purpose-led organisation makes a real difference through pro bono work and sustainability commitments. Give your career the best platform and discover if law is the right path for you.
Once you've completed your internship, you could be offered a place as a Working Student or a Trainee Lawyer.
What you will do
- Experience the complexities of our work and discover how you can make a real impact around the world
- Join a forward-looking, friendly team while collaborating with colleagues around the world
- Get structured learning and mentorship, while building your network
- Explore further interests like legal, tech, sustainability and pro bono work
- Thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises your wellbeing

Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.
Self-motivated and highly driven
You are proactive and strive for excellence. You pursue goals with purpose and determination, whether working independently or as part of a team.
Excitement for international law and business
You are curious about global legal developments, regulatory shifts and geopolitical trends.
Strong collaborator with social awareness
You are an excellent communicator, active listener and team player who contributes to an inclusive, supportive work environment.
Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge the norm
You think creatively, embrace new ideas and challenge conventional approaches. You thrive in challenging environments and aim to excel.
Ability to think critically, adapt and take ownership
You have an ability to assess situations from multiple perspectives, adapt quickly to change and take responsibility for delivering exceptional results.
Growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities
You are resilient, reflective, and always eager to learn, leveraging setbacks as an opportunity to sharpen your thinking.
Are you eligible?
You’ll need to be a strong English speaker, reader and writer, and will be fluent in Dutch. Also:
- You’ll be a current LLM or third year LLB student in a Dutch University, or you're in between your LLB and LLM.
- You'll have obtained, or are planning to obtain, civil effect.
You’ll have the right to work in the Netherlands for the duration of the programme. We are unable to sponsor visas for the Internship.
Only one application can be made per year.
Key dates
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Application deadline: We recruit on a rolling basis so there's no set deadline.
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Internship duration: Two months.
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Internship start date: Various start dates are possible throughout the year, on the first weekday of the month.
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Internship end date: The internship ends on the last weekday of the second month.
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 motivation letter, and provide your academic transcripts and any previous internship evaluations. In your letter, make sure to mention the practice group and time period in which you would like to intern.
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Interview
The second stage is an interview at our Amsterdam office. The interview is aimed towards getting to know you and assessing your motivation and match with the firm and the role. If successful, you will advance to the last stage.
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Assessment
The final stage is an assessment, to be taken at our office. It will comprise of exercises which give you the chance to demonstrate your strengths in inductive, deductive, and numerical reasoning.
Thijs Haverbeke, Junior Associate, Amsterdam
One of the things that attracted me most to DLA Piper is its culture. There’s a strong work ethic, but also a genuine willingness to support one another and make time for collaboration. Additionally, the firm's commitment to pro bono work resonates with me and is something I truly value.
Kemal Altan, Junior Associate, Amsterdam
At DLA Piper, Juniors Associates are taken seriously and are expected to take on responsibilities quickly. Ideas are carefully listened to and considered. This means that as a Junior, you can make a real impact.
Annick Steenman, Junior Associate / candidate civil-law notary, Amsterdam
DLA Piper recognizes the importance of work-life balance and well-being of its people, besides working hard, there is also enough room for social events outside of work.
Rima Tahmasian, Junior Associate, Amsterdam
The people at DLA Piper are incredibly down-to-earth and supportive, creating a welcoming and collaborative environment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions,
answered
As our internships are open year-round across all practice groups, availability can vary. You'll include your availability and preferred practice group(s) in your motivation letter. If you'd like to discuss in advance, please contact Constantijn Papa (Graduate Recruiter).
At the end of the internship, you’ll have the opportunity to be assessed, based on your performance and academic progression, and our availability, for a position as a Working Student or Trainee Lawyer with us.
No, you’ll join one practice group for the internship duration. We’ll ask you to choose your preferred practice groups when you apply and will try to assign you to one of these for the programme.
Yes, we encourage all interns to participate in pro bono activities.
You’ll follow a personalized learning journey to support your career development and growth.
Yes, you’ll need to be a strong English and Dutch speaker, reader and writer.
No, we do not accept applications from those who have already graduated from their LLM.
We accept all applications as long as they meet our minimum requirements.
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 Constantijn Papa (Graduate Recruiter) if you have further questions.
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.
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