EARLY CAREERS
International training programme
Programme details
Explore the intersection between law and business. Discover how an international law firm makes an impact in the UK and around the world. Develop the skills you need for a global legal career. You’ll do all this and more on our two-year international training programme.
As a trainee, you'll start a global career that transcends traditional boundaries. You'll be part of a firm that embraces new ideas and fosters progress. With a focus on shaping the future of law, you'll do work that's as diverse as the world we live in.
The international training programme is designed for people who have a global mindset and appreciate the nuances of local contexts. You'll do the most stimulating work, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.
On the international training programme, you will:
- complete four, six-month rotations in our practice groups. You'll have international and client secondment opportunities, and placement opportunities in our responsible business team;
- be at the forefront of legal innovation, working on high-profile, cross-border projects that will shape the future of law and business. 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 to drive results you're proud of;
- develop your knowledge and skills through structured learning and development opportunities in our supportive culture;
- be supported by a strong network of supervisors, buddies, and mentors to develop your confidence and identify your own personal and professional goals;
- have a dedicated early careers programme manager who will work with you to ensure your journey on the programme reflects your career aspirations;
- be part of an international early careers community of talented colleagues who’ll become part of your global network;
- have opportunities to engage with initiatives beyond your role, including getting involved with our people networks, legal tech, sustainability and pro bono work;
- enjoy a working environment where your wellbeing is always a priority and your workload is managed so you can always deliver your best; and
- emerge from the programme not just as a qualified lawyer, but as a global business advisor equipped to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world.
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.
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.
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.
Heba Khalid, Associate, Manchester
On my training programme, I've been incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside people, from all levels, who have unconditionally supported and guided me through the various challenges that come with being a trainee solicitor.
Nick Lowe, Trainee Solicitor, Leeds
During my time as a trainee, I've had the opportunity to be involved in so many amazing projects and transactions. The breadth of clients means that every day brings new learning opportunities.
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.
Fatima Coulibaly, Associate, London
The learning opportunities in this role have been endless, and after a year, I can confidently say that the training contract is providing me with the most valuable tools to begin a successful career in law.
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions,
answered
We offer up to 65 training contracts across the UK each year.
Yes. You'll be able to apply to take part in client and international secondments from your second rotation onwards. You'll also have placement opportunities in our Responsible Business team.
You'll complete four, six-month rotations in our practice groups. These rotational experiences are designed to give you access to the most interesting work across our different areas of legal practice, broadening your knowledge, skills and network. We'll work with you to understand your preferences for each rotation, and you'll be doing work you're proud of.
Each trainee has a dedicated early careers programme manager who will meet with them at the mid point of each rotation. During this meeting, upcoming rotation preferences are discussed and recorded.
If we offer you a training contract, we will support your application to obtain a work permit or visa. However, please note that it is your responsibility to provide all the necessary information and documentation to the UK Border Agency. Furthermore, any offer we make will be conditional upon your work permit/visa application being approved.
We typically recruit trainees through the summer internship, but we may at times recruit outside of the internship programme.
Our summer internship programme is a fantastic way to get to experience working at DLA Piper. It will help you to get to know our firm and our people. The three-week internship will give you a strong understanding of our values and what we stand for and whether DLA Piper and its practice groups are right for you. At the end of the summer internship, you'll be assessed for a place on our international training programme (training contract) in the office where you complete your internship.
Life at DLA Piper
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