EARLY CAREERS
Law, unlocked
About this experience
Are you curious about life at DLA Piper? Discover how we’re making an extraordinary impact beyond the borders of traditional law by attending this event.
This event is designed for first-year law students and second-year non-law students who want to explore what makes DLA Piper a different kind of law firm. Give your career the best platform and start shaping your future with us.
At our Law, unlocked insight event, you will:
- discover innovation at work by learning how we’re using AI and legal technology to redefine the way a global law firm operates;
- see how we're more focused on shaping the future than protecting the past by exploring our practice groups and approach to responsible business and sustainability;
- meet the people behind the impact - our trusted advisors, innovators, and game-changers who challenge the status quo every day.
- build your knowledge, skills and confidence through sessions designed to help you determine if a career in law is right for you.
- navigate your path to success by gaining early insights into our early career programmes.
You’ll also be invited to our application masterclass in September 2025, giving you a head start in your 2026 summer internship application.
Take the first step towards a world of opportunity, and the key to a global career.
Programme overview
Watch our Summer Internship Induction week 2024, where we welcomed over 100 Summer Interns from the UK and Ireland for four days of interactive workshops, networking, social events and talks from our senior business leaders. Following these three days, our interns returned to complete two weeks of work experience in their chosen office location, across two different practice groups.
Early Careers Talent Community
Sign up to our talent community to receive information about our upcoming events and programmes.
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 regarding yourself and your studies.
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Motivational question
We will also ask you to submit an answer to an application question regarding your motivations to apply to our Law, unlocked insight event.
Hannah Potter, Associate, London
I've worked with a range of colleagues across the firm's practice groups and business services teams and everyone is approachable and friendly. What stands out to me is that that people love their work and also have a life outside of work, creating an enjoyable workplace for everyone.
Tebogo Mphahlele, Trainee Solicitor, London
My experiences at DLA Piper have been characterised by involvement in high-calibre transactions, substantial responsibility, access to top-tier work, and the opportunity to take ownership of important matters.
Alex Moffett, Associate, Leeds
The culture at DLA Piper is genuinely supportive and collaborative. I've loved having the opportunity to regularly work with a diverse range of colleagues locally and internationally.
Sara Jenkins, Associate, Leeds/Manchester
Life at a leading international law firm means a vast range of work, clients and opportunities. It's been a great journey so far.
James Watson, Associate, Birmingham
The firm invests a lot of time and resources into developing their junior talent. The Early Careers team in particular regularly organise check-ins with trainees and have hosted sessions on important topics such as resilience, mental and physical wellbeing, overcoming imposter syndrome and much more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions,
answered
Our Law, unlocked events are designed to give you a look into what a career at DLA Piper is really like.
The event will provide a great introduction to the legal sector and how we’re using AI and legal technology to redefine the way a global law firm operates.
Our Law, unlocked events are open to students from any degree background studying at a UK university.
If you are studying a law degree, you can apply if you're a first-year student on a three-year course or a second-year student on a four-year course. If you are studying a non-law degree, you can apply if you're in your second year of study.
We are looking for individuals who can collaborate, be bold, supportive, and exceptional and are committed learning more and pursuing a career with DLA Piper, with an interest in innovation and AI.
We do not have minimum academic requirements at undergraduate level. If you do have any mitigating circumstances that you would like to be taken into consideration alongside your application, please contact us to discuss further.
Yes, all reasonable travel costs will be covered. Please apply to the event located closest to you.
No, we don't have a specific application deadline as we recruit on a rolling basis. This means once we have enough applications for a role, we will close for any further applications. We therefore recommend you apply early for any role you're interested in.
If you have any mitigating circumstances that you'd like to be taken into consideration alongside your application, there will be a chance to highlight this during your application to our Law, unlocked event. A member of the early careers team will be in touch to dicuss further.
If you are successful in gaining a place on one of our Law, unlocked events, the early careers team will be in touch prior to the day to check for any reasonable adjustments you might require to attend.
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, diversity, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.