EARLY CAREERS

Virtual job simulations

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About our virtual job simulations

In our virtual job simulations, you'll experience what it's like to work at a global law firm. Through interactive tasks, you’ll explore how we work and the impact we make, giving you an insight into the market-leading projects you could be involved with at DLA Piper. 

Programme details

Our virtual simulations help you develop skills, unlock your potential, and understand what a career at DLA Piper can offer. Whether you want to improve your knowledge or dive deeper into the legal profession, you'll gain the confidence, tools and experiences needed to kick-start your career. 

You’ll complete tasks developed by our lawyers based on real-life scenarios, mimicking the role of a junior team member in the fast-paced, complex environment of a full-service global law firm. You’ll see how we act boldly and work collaboratively to provide legal solutions to businesses worldwide.

By completing our virtual simulations, you’ll have the freedom to discover your own path and see how we make an impact beyond the borders of traditional law. 

Come and learn how we’re a different kind of law firm, because this is a different kind of world.

Simulation 1: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) for AI Innovation

This simulation explores high-stakes health tech acquisitions, including those involving advanced AI and machine learning. You’ll see how we protect client interests in rapidly evolving sectors. Through four tasks, you’ll gain insight into navigating complex global M&A transactions in a dynamic commercial landscape. You’ll support the client by:

  1. Drafting key terms for the Letter of Intent (LOI).
  2. Identifying potential issues in Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
  3. Performing due diligence on ownership patents and other IP rights.
  4. Reviewing disclosures to identify potential acquisition risks.

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Simulation 2: Global Cyber with Data Privacy

In this simulation, you’ll gain practical experience with data breach response, EU data privacy regulations, and ransomware-related legal risks. You’ll understand the legal considerations involved in advising clients on high-risk cyber incidents. You’ll guide the client through:

  1. An initial assessment of the data breach and determining notification obligations.
  2. Advising on strategic responses and risk mitigation for the data breach.
  3. Evaluating the legal risks of making ransom payments.
  4. Reviewing and revising a media statement on the cyber incident, ensuring regulatory compliance.

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M&A for AI Innovation

Discover how to navigate global M&A transactions, with a critical focus on AI.

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Global Cyber with Data Privacy

Gain hands on experience to support clients through a high-stakes cyber breach.

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Insights on data protection, privacy and cybersecurity issues

Develop your understanding and skills in data privacy and cybersecurity by exploring our Privacy Matters blog, designed to equip you with the latest industry knowledge and practical advice. 

Read the blog

Insights on data protection, privacy and cybersecurity issues

Learning from the leader for global M&A

We act on more M&A deals than any other law firm. Expand your knowledge of mergers and acquisitions by exploring our site, containing essential knowledge and practical insights into the dynamic world of M&A.

Learn more about our recent work

Learning from the leader for global M&A
    Skills roadmap

    Skills you'll learn

    • Research

      Develop your ability to conduct legal research and analyse complex legal issues, through accessing a range of expertly crafted resources and simulated case studies that mimic real-world legal scenarios, developed by our lawyers. 

    • Drafting

      Build proficiency in drafting documents, briefs and other legal documents through self-paced tasks, allowing you to refine your written and verbal communication skills – essential in a legal career. 

    • Due diligence

      Through simulated case studies, learn the critical role of due diligence in a global law firm. Develop skills in identifying key documents, while honing your ability to spot potential legal, financial, or reputational risks that could impact our clients' interests. 

    • Reviewing

      Gain hands-on experience in reviewing legal documents by identifying inconsistencies and summarising issues to present to senior team members. Learn best practices for drafting and reviewing statements, while analysing relevant legal issues to ensure accuracy and clarity, to prepare effective briefs.  

    • Commercial awareness

      Build practical commercial awareness, through engaging in tasks which reflect the real challenges faced by global law firms, serving global clients. Strengthen your ability to assess complex legal problems, think strategically, and propose creative and well-reasoned solutions.

    • Attention to detail

      Sharpen your attention to detail, through tasks that require reviewing documents – learning to spot discrepancies and ensure the highest level of accuracy, a vital skill in a global law firm. 

    What to expect
    Heng Loong Cheong, Partner, Corporate, Hong Kong

    This virtual job simulation is designed to give you a real insight into the role of a graduate trainee in DLA Piper's Corporate group. It's a great way for you to develop your knowledge and skills, and we hope it'll help you decide whether you're interested in pursuing a career in law.

    Heng Loong Cheong
    Linzi Penman, Partner, Intellectual Property and Technology, Edinburgh

    During the simulation, you'll take on the role of a graduate trainee at DLA Piper and you'll complete tasks that replicate the work that our specialist teams deliver for our clients every day. This experience is not only about learning technical skills but also about developing your professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

    Linzi Penman
    Andhari Sidharta, Senior Associate, Singapore

    Being an M&A lawyer in DLA Piper has provided me with valuable opportunities to work on a diverse range of complex but interesting deals across various industries and jurisdictions and build my expertise.

    Andhari Sidharta
    Sarah Dunne, Associate, Intellectual Property and Technology, Dublin

    In the simulation, you'll experience the key role that our graduate trainees play in our work, and we hope the insights you gain will be directly relevant to your applications to our early careers programmes.

    Sarah Dunne
      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      Your questions,
      answered

      Our virtual simulations will give you an insight into what it's like to work at a global law firm. You'll discover what we do, how we work, and the impact we make around the world.

      If you're curious about life at DLA Piper, our virtual job simulations are the perfect place to start your journey. Through our simulations, you'll gain practical experience of interactive tasks relevant to a career at a global law firm. You'll see how our expertly led practice groups work cross borders to provide seamless legal advice to our clients, in a rapidly evolving world. You'll gain experience in a range of areas, including drafting, legal research, due diligence, communication, commercial awareness and risk mitigation, which will be invaluable for future job applications.

      Anyone! They are free and open access to all students globally. 

      The simulations are self-paced, but we would recommend spending between 4-6 hours on them. They are designed to be flexible, allowing you to complete the tasks whenever suits you, from wherever in the world.

      Of course! Completing the simulation is a great achievement to add to your CV. 

      Yes – you'll receive a certificate of completion which you can share with your LinkedIn network. This is a great way to highlight the knowledge and skills you developed in the simulations, and it demonstrates your interest in DLA Piper as a future employer.

      No. All the materials needed to complete will be provided within the simulation.

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