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EARLY CAREERS in Poland

Ahead internship

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About this programme

Our nine-month, in-person paid Ahead internship will show you what we do, how we work and the impact we make in Poland and around the world.

Programme details

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 nine-month internship in our Warsaw office.

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 internship is your chance to see if law is a career you can thrive in. Working across our practice groups and sectors, you’ll be giving your career the best platform by developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours that will support your professional growth.

During the internship, you will:

  • you can work with one team for nine months, or complete three, three-month rotations in different teams;
  • experience the complexities of our work and discover how you can make a real impact around the world. 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;
  • develop your knowledge and skills through structured learning and development opportunities;
  • 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 full of talented colleagues who’ll become part of your global network;
  • have opportunities to explore interests beyond your role, including legal tech, sustainability and pro bono work, to give you an authentic insight into life at DLA Piper; and
  • enjoy a supportive working environment where your wellbeing is always a priority and your workload is managed so you can always deliver your best.

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.

Show us your strengths in action. Once you've completed your Ahead internship, you could be offered a Paralegal or Junior Associate role at the firm.

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 Recruitment 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.

Accessibility
    Justyna Helbing, Associate, Warsaw

    As a junior lawyer, I benefit from the experience of senior colleagues who are eager to discuss legal issues and provide explanations and advice in specific situations. This collaborative environment fosters both professional growth and a sense of community.

    Justyna Helbing
    Julia RoĹĽankowska, Junior Associate, Warsaw

    The summer internship at DLA Piper was a very valuable experience for me.

    Julia RoĹĽankowska
    Maciej Rafałowski, Senior Associate, Warsaw

    DLA Piper offers by far the most balanced proposition for associate lawyers

    Maciej Rafałowski
    Justyna Bartnik, Senior Associate, Warsaw

    The work culture is defined by a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork. The firm fosters an environment of open-mindedness, where innovative ideas are welcomed and diverse perspectives are valued. 

    Justyna Bartnik
    Bartłomiej Gudek, Associate, Warsaw

    The firm supports me in my development and in finding confidence in my profession. 

    Bartłomiej Gudek
    Mateusz Jerzy Koszel, Counsel, Warsaw

    I'm excited to contribute to a firm that values diversity, teamwork, and the highest standards of legal service. I see DLA Piper as a great place to develop myself both professionally and personally, offering numerous opportunities for growth and learning.

    Mateusz Jerzy Koszel
    Franciszek Ignacy Fortuna, Junior Associate, Warsaw

    My team's encouragement and the challenging assignments I've received has helped me build knowledge, skills and confidence in my field.

      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      Your questions,
      answered

      DLA Piper is one of the largest global law firms in Poland, which provides legal and tax services to local and international clients and institutions. The Warsaw office, established in 2007, is an integral part of the global practice of DLA Piper's law practice operating in Europe, the Americas, the Asia Pacific region and the Middle East.  

       The cohesive organisational structure allows for the continuous exchange of know-know-how and smooth and effective internal communication. It thus facilitates the implementation of cross-border projects. Our clients value our responsiveness, entrepreneurialism, commitment, innovative client approach and work ethic. 

       With over 130 lawyers and tax advisors, we can provide international companies, financial institutions as well as local businesses a seamless legal and tax service of the highest quality. At DLA Piper, we serve and advise clients from a wide range of industries. Regardless of the scale and complexity of the project, our market-based approach will provide comprehensive support. The firm has won numerous awards as a top employer in Poland including the Great Place to Work awards and the ELSA Law Students in Poland award as the most desirable and most recognised employer.  

      The Ahead programme lasts for nine months. It starts in November and finishes in July the following year.   

      A minimum of ten people join the programme each year. 

      Rotation trainees complete three, three-month rotations during the nine months.  

      Fixed trainees work within one team for the nine-month programme duration. The trainees who become fixed trainees is decided by the team and the number of vacancies.  

      No. Only students who have participated in a summer internship can qualify for the Ahead programme.  

      Yes. The aim of the Ahead programme is to provide longer term career opportunities to selected programme participants generally after nine months. Interns are promoted to the position of Paralegal or Junior Associate.   

      We consider the business needs of the teams, the trainees’ preferences and recommendations from lawyers, mentors and trainee preferences.  

      You will join one of our ten departments: Corporate, Employment, Energy, Finance, Intellectual Property & Technology, Litigation & Arbitration, Real Estate, Regulatory, Tax, White Collar Crime & Investigations.  

      Yes, it is paid.  

      During the programme, you must be available 4 or 5 days a week.  

      No, we don't currently offer any ad hoc work experience. All available roles are advertised on our early careers website. 

      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. 

      Please contact our Recruitment team if you have further questions. 

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