Discover our Future Lawyer Pathway
We are delighted that you are considering starting your career with DLA Piper. This hub is designed to give you an insight into our Early Careers programmes, our people, and the opportunities available to you.
Whether you are exploring your options, preparing to apply, or looking to learn more about life after qualification, we hope this space helps you understand what life at DLA Piper could look like for you.
We look forward to supporting you as you explore your potential with us.
Jon Hayes, Partner, Member of the Executive Committee: I think we are an exciting place to be at an exciting time. We've always been a firm that embraces change and drives change, and we are a firm that is looking to shape change, benefit from it, drive it. We're innovative, and I think that's a great place to be for a young person.
William Thomas, Innovation Solutions Manager: The reason DLA Piper is a great place to work is because of our values. Some of those values are that it's such a supporting environment and that it's such an incredibly collaborative environment.
Jon Hayes: We need bright people coming through all the time. We can learn from them, they can learn from us, and together we have a much better chance of being relevant and being able to engage fully with our clients.
Sana Butt, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Specialist: Having seen a lot of summer interns come through the firm, one thing that they worry about the most is coming from a non-law background. Here at DLA Piper, we actually welcome people from different degree backgrounds, such as humanities and STEM, as we know that brings a lot of innovation and different styles of thinking to the firm.
Amreta Kaur, Summer Intern: It's a really great sense of collaboration and teamwork, also open communication within the firm.
Sadhbh Mullins, Summer Intern: Seeing how the speakers we've interacted with worked with their colleagues, not just in the London office, but in their other global counterparts as well, where the teamwork transcends global barriers. And I thought that's something I found really interesting.
Reuben Ring, Summer Intern: Going back, I think there was a really big emphasis on curiosity and not being afraid to ask questions. So that's something I'll definitely be taking home. Because I have plenty of questions, and I'm sure I'll be thinking of many more.
Start your career with purpose and possibility
At DLA Piper, we are committed to developing future talent by providing meaningful experiences, structured development opportunities, and the opportunity to work on real client matters. Our Early Careers programmes support you at every step of your journey, helping you build the skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed. Explore our programmes, meet our people, and discover what makes our culture unique. Wherever you are in your journey, we hope you’ll find valuable insights to help you take your next step with confidence.
Why is early talent so important to DLA Piper?
Jon Hayes, Partner, Member of the Executive Committee: Fundamentally, we are a people business. We will continue to be a people business enhanced and enabled by AI and other technologies. But at the bottom line, we give to our clients peace of mind. We build trusting relationships with them, and we need new talent coming in. We need people more familiar with some of the changes going on in the world, and we need people who can rise with people who are rising at our clients.
My name is Jon Hayes. I'm a Corporate Partner, and I sit on the firm's global executive committee.
Why is now an exciting time to join DLA Piper?
I think we are an exciting place to be at an exciting time because we've always been a firm that embraces change and drives change. The world is moving at a phenomenal pace right now.
We've got amazing wealth of technological innovation coming through, and we are a firm that is looking to shape change, benefit from it, drive it, and I think the talent that we recruit defines our future opportunities and prospects.
What should graduates look for when choosing a law firm?
There are lots of great law firms, and I think what you need to ask yourself is, was I having fun when I spent time there? Do I think it's a place where I could enjoy being me? Have I met people that have looked for a connection with me? Is it a place where I feel I can be me? We hire young people because we need them.
I think it is recognising the constant value of cognitive diversity, of having lots of people coming into the firm from many different backgrounds, and it is a core part of our culture that we should support each other and collaborate.
WHY DLA PIPER?
Where ambition meets opportunity
At DLA Piper, you’ll be trusted to contribute, supported to grow, and encouraged to shape a career with purpose. From early responsibility and high-quality international work to structured development and clear progression, our Early Careers programmes are designed to help you build the confidence, skills and experience to thrive.
Early responsibility: Real work from day one
What this means for you
Contribute to live client matters and develop confidence, resilience and skills through high-quality real experience
See Alix Leatherday's storyHigh-quality work: Work on complex, international matters
What this means for you
Get early exposure to high-profile, cross-border work that shapes global businesses
See Sophie Kenny's storyLearning and development: Challenging work that pushes you to grow
What this means for you
Learn quickly by stepping outside your comfort zone with the right support
See Aimee Harper's storyProgress your growth: Clear pathways to build your career
What this means for you
Gain experience that sets you up for long-term success at DLA Piper
See Mihir Joshi's storyExplore our programmes
We offer a range of opportunities designed to support individuals at different stages of their journey. Each programme provides a unique opportunity to gain insight, develop skills and build a career with DLA Piper.
Programme explorer
What you will do on the Summer Internship
Every day brings new opportunities to learn, contribute and gain insight into life at DLA Piper.
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Be part of real client matters
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Work with sector leading legal and business professionals
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Develop core skills through research and analysis
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Build experience across multiple practice areas
Molly Stevenson, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Specialist, UK: Here we are, ready for the 2025 summer internship. Let's go.
Heidi Drinnan, Trainee Solicitor, Manchester: One of the biggest things to remember as an intern is that you've already got to this stage. It's such a huge achievement!
Ashleigh Alli, Pro Bono Manager: To make the most of the internship, just really go for it. Put yourself out there.
Rob Newman, Partner, Corporate, Birmingham: You really need to be open. Use this opportunity to start building that network.
Helen O’Connor, International Director of Knowledge and Insight: Everyone is excited to come into work and do things in a new, better way.
Ashleigh Alli: We're innovative. We're kind of forward looking, proactive, all of those things.
Helen O’Connor: Even if it's only a little bit every day.
Ashleigh Alli: But we also have something in common as well. So 100% - it's the people.
Ruth Hoy, Office Managing Partner, London: One thing about DLA is it's always moving. It's always reinventing itself. It's very good at looking at where it is now and where it wants to go to.
Jon Hayes, Global Co-Chair and Senior Partner: We want to recruit and employ people who know how to lead, work in a team, have an impact, make a difference.
Yunus Maka, Partner, Corporate, Manchester: So whether you enjoy doing sports law, media law, IT law, AI, there's a job for you somewhere.
Simi Oluborode, 2025 Summer Intern, Dublin: Everyone has been lovely. The speakers have all been amazing.
Aya Mohamed, 2025 Summer Intern, London: It's lovely having people come from all over the UK.
Matthew Mitham, 2025 Summer Intern, London: This is obviously a massive, massive firm across the world with loads of cross-border opportunities.
Leah Randell, 2025 Summer Intern, Birmingham: I've met so many lovely people. Everyone who's so passionate about going into law.
Rudrakshi Goswami, 2025 Summer Intern, Manchester: And this sort of blend between excellence and humility is what really attracted me towards DLA Piper.
Nathan Douglas-Smith, 2025 Summer Intern, London: Hearing from the partners, hearing from quite senior people how inclusive the culture is.
Sarah Coffey, 2025 Summer Intern, Edinburgh: I'm very excited to get to the home offices and do a bit more hands-on work next week.
Ashleigh Alli: One word?
Heidi Drinnan: Opportunity.
Helen O’Connor: Merit.
Aya Mohamed: Transformative.
Nathan Douglas-Smith: Inspirational.
Simi Oluborode: Exceptional.
Sarah Coffey: Insightful.
Rudrakshi Goswami: Fun.
Matthew Mitham: Exciting.
Develop your career through real responsibility
Explore the qualities that help future lawyers succeed in a collaborative, high-performance environment.
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Think critically and solve problems effectively
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Communicate with clarity and confidence
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Approach tasks with a commercial mindset
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Embrace opportunities to learn and grow
Molly Stevenson, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Specialist: So you might think at DLA Piper we are looking for the absolute perfect candidate, which is just not the case. We're looking for value and potential in all of our future trainees. Everybody has different lived experiences and everybody comes from different backgrounds, and that's something we really value at the firm. You don't need to come into the firm with years and years of legal work experience.
I'm Molly. I work in the early careers team here at DLA Piper. I'm one of three early careers talent acquisition specialists. So we focus on overseeing recruitment, assessment, selection, everything through from assessment center to summer internship program, and eventually training contract offers.
What makes an application stand out?
Molly Stevenson: For all candidates who are interested in a career in commercial law, my number one piece of advice is to demonstrate good research skills. So we're looking for things like attention to detail, curiosity about some of our practice groups or sectors. We want to know why you want to work here specifically, and that might be a focus on some of our really niche practice areas, or it might be a focus on the sector that we specialize in. It might be tech or financial services. Whatever it is that is interesting to you that has made you come to us, that's what we want to hear about.
Another one of my recommendations for assessment center is making sure that you don't think every answer has to be correct. And what we're really looking for is someone who thinks, analyzes, and communicates their answers effectively.
What can candidates expect at an assessment centre?
Molly Stevenson: An assessment center at DLA Piper is the final stage in our recruitment journey. It's the step where you come into our offices, where you will be interning and a future trainee, and you get to meet our people directly.
They give you a taster of the types of work we do, but also it's an opportunity for you to assess whether this is the right firm for you, as well as us assess you.
Clare’s tips on how to make the most of your internship
The move from university to practice is quite a jump. Clare, a trainee solicitor at DLA Piper in Edinburgh, shares how to make the most of the experience.
Prioritise commercial
awareness
Stay informed about market developments and connect those insights to the firm’s work.
Be ready to learn
and adapt
Success depends less on knowing everything from the outset and more on your ability to adapt under pressure and take initiative.
Bring your whole
self to work
Firms are looking beyond academic achievement for individuals who are self-motivated, collaborative and well-rounded.
Apply
strategically
Don’t feel pressure to apply to every firm. Focus on the firms that genuinely align with your values and interests.
UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL
An Early Careers masterclass
Hear our Early Careers team share insights into what it takes to succeed at DLA Piper. Whether you’re preparing to apply or looking to strengthen your application, this session will give you practical guidance to help you stand out.
What you will learn:
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How to approach applications strategically
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How to develop your interview skills
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The qualities we look for in future interns and trainees
Sana Butt, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Specialist: So having seen a lot of summer interns come through the firm, one thing that they worry about the most is coming from a non-law background. Here at DLA Piper, we actually welcome people from different degree backgrounds as we know that brings a lot of innovation and different styles of thinking into the firm.
Hi, everyone. I'm Sana. I am part of the early careers team here at DLA Piper looking after our London summer internship recruitment, as well as our UAE. My role within the early careers team is to support each and every one of you that applies for the London Summer Internship program or the Dubai Summer Internship program along your journey, right from application straight through to onboarding you onto our summer internship.
What skills does DLA Piper look for in future lawyers?
Sana Butt: Here are five skills we're looking for here at DLA Piper. Number one, making sure that you're a clear communicator. Number two, being proactive and being able to search for solutions yourself. Number three, bringing some entrepreneurial mindset into the firm as well. That's really important to be able to bring creative new ideas to the innovation that happens here at DLA Piper. And then number five, not being afraid of taking on new challenges and learning to develop your problem-solving skills.
One way potential applicants can really demonstrate commercial thinking throughout their interview is by making sure that they've done their research on DLA Piper,but also looked into the global market, our sectors, but also what our competitors are doing as well, to really make sure that they truly understand why DLA Piper is the right firm for them and why the firm stands out.
What should applicants focus on beyond the training contract?
Sana Butt: Candidates often just think that the training contract is the end of the journey, but I always say it's a pit stop here at DLA Piper. You need to think beyond the training contract, what's the firm going to look like for you when you qualify and further on down the line when you become a partner eventually? So just make sure that you've thought about your long-term goals throughout the entire DLA Piper journey for you.
So when thinking about your long-term career, don't forget to keep that tenacity alive throughout your journey here at DLA Piper. That tenacity is so important to just keep networking, seizing every opportunity and growing your career.
MEET OUR PEOPLE
From trainee solicitor to qualified lawyer
Aida Noei, Associate, London
Watch videoPretty much every transaction I've been involved in has had an international dimension. I've worked on matters across the Middle East, Europe, the US and Asia. I think that’s a defining quality of the work we do at DLA Piper – it’s truly international.
Jeremy Lau, Associate, London
Watch videoI was really surprised by how much responsibility I was given from the outset. That's been consistent throughout my training contract – trainees are trusted with meaningful responsibility from day one. It's something that really appealed to me, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to take that on.
Raluca Padure, Associate, London
Watch videoWhat I've enjoyed most about the team is the variety of the work. We work across a wide range of jurisdictions, which keeps things interesting and gives you exposure to a genuinely international practice.
Omefe Uduebor, Associate, London
Watch videoThere's a real variety to the work. You get the opportunity to work with different clients and across a range of practice areas, so no two days are ever quite the same. There's certainly never a dull day in Corporate.
Des Cooke, Associate, London
Watch videoThe experience gave me a completely different perspective on what clients value from their lawyers. So from day one at DLA Piper, you can go anywhere you want to in your career.
Learning, support and your journey to qualification
Continuous learning, real experience and progression at every stage – a structured journey to qualification.
Build your foundation through structured induction
Gain the knowledge and tools to succeed from day one
“The firm is really keen to get junior trainees in front of clients and start building those skills really early on.” – Aida Noei, Associate
Mentoring and practical skill-building
Develop your expertise through real work, technical training and dedicated support
Skills training and feedback
Continuous development opportunities enabling you to build legal, commercial and professional skills as the business evolves
Defining your own path
Your development is shaped by the experiences you choose to maximise
“You learn every day from different people, different clients and different deals.” – Raluca Padure, Associate
WHERE IT CAN TAKE YOU
Internship to Partner
Sohail Ali, Partner, London
Watch videoSuccess is about nurturing the next generation. What gives me great satisfaction is seeing junior trainees, associates coming through the ranks and achieving their personal objectives and helping them thrive in a firm like DLA Piper.
Making an impact beyond our work
We are committed to making a meaningful impact through sustainability, pro bono work and initiatives.
Our people are encouraged to contribute to projects and initiatives that create positive change - whether that’s supporting individuals and communities through pro bono work, advancing environmental sustainability, or helping to break down barriers into the legal profession. You’ll have opportunities to get involved, gain broader perspectives and make a difference alongside your day-to-day work.

250,000+
Hours of free legal advice provided in 2024

20+
Years of global pro bono assistance via New Perimeter
300+
Pro bono projects in over 55 countries

DLA Piper supports people who cannot afford legal representation, as well as NGOs, UN agencies, social entrepreneurs and developing nations.

Legal education and refugee support programmes delivered across 17 countries in Europe.

1,200+
Lawyers and trainees complete at least 20 - 50 hours of pro bono work annually, with many contributing significantly more.
The firm’s international pro bono strategy focuses on:
- Climate justice and conservation
- Supporting forcibly displaced people
- Good governance and shared values

120+
UK lawyers supported more than 4,300 Ukrainian clients through the Ukraine Advice Project.

5,000+
People received legal information and support through the firm’s Afghanistan response initiatives.
INNOVATION
Discover how we use technology to shape the way we work and support our clients
Technology is transforming the legal industry, and at DLA Piper, it plays a key role in how we deliver services to our clients and develop the skills of our people. From innovative legal tech solutions to data-driven insights and digital collaboration tools, we are continuously evolving the way we work.
On our early careers programmes, you’ll gain exposure to the intersection of law and technology. You’ll see how technology supports everything we do, from research and analysis to client delivery and global collaboration. You’ll also have opportunities to develop your own digital confidence, working with tools and platforms that are shaping the future of the profession.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not sure where
to start?
We recognise that Generative AI is becoming an increasingly important part of the way people learn, work and solve problems. You are welcome to use AI tools to help you research opportunities, structure your thoughts and prepare your application.
However, your application should always reflect your own experiences, motivations, achievements and aspirations. We want to understand your authentic potential and hear your individual perspective. If you use AI-generated content, we encourage you to review it carefully, ensure it is accurate and personalise it, so it genuinely represents you. Integrity is a fundamental part of a professional career, and we expect candidates to use these tools responsibly and ethically.
No. We only accept one application per recruitment year, and applicants can apply to one location only. If multiple applications are submitted, we will consider the first application received.
Before applying, we encourage you to take the time to research our opportunities, consider which location is the best fit for your personal circumstances and career aspirations, and submit a thoughtful application that demonstrates your interest.
You are welcome to apply for a Discovery Day and Summer Internship in the same cycle.
Absolutely, in the following year. We understand that recruitment processes are competitive, and not being successful on one occasion does not mean you won't be a strong candidate in the future. If your application is unsuccessful, we encourage you to reflect on the experience, continue building your skills and experiences, and consider applying again in a future recruitment cycle.
We welcome repeat applicants and encourage you to apply again in a future recruitment cycle. As each application is assessed independently, you will need to complete the full recruitment process again.
We understand that personal, educational or other circumstances can sometimes affect academic performance, work experience opportunities or an individual's ability to perform at their best. If there are mitigating circumstances that you would like us to consider as part of your application, please contact our Early Careers team.
Our team will discuss your circumstances confidentially and help ensure that any relevant information is appropriately considered within the recruitment process.
Our culture is built around collaboration, inclusion and opportunity. We want everyone to feel able to be themselves, contribute their ideas and realise their potential. We believe that diverse perspectives drive better outcomes and create a stronger sense of community.
You'll work alongside supportive colleagues who are passionate about what they do and committed to helping others succeed. Whether you're just starting your career or taking your next step, you'll find opportunities to learn from others, build meaningful relationships and make an impact.
As a global organisation, we offer opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, clients and teams across different offices and jurisdictions. The work we do often spans borders, giving our people exposure to international perspectives and complex, cross-border challenges.
Depending on your role and programme, there may also be opportunities to broaden your experience through international networks, global projects and other development opportunities that help build a truly international mindset.
We know that people perform at their best when they feel supported and able to maintain a healthy balance. That's why we are committed to promoting positive mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Our wellbeing support includes access to resources, guidance and initiatives designed to help individuals build sustainable working habits, develop resilience and navigate the challenges that can arise throughout their careers.
Supporting your development is one of our priorities. From the moment you join us, you'll have access to a network of people who are invested in helping you succeed. Depending on your programme and stage, this may include programme managers, supervisors, mentors, buddies and peers who can provide guidance, feedback and encouragement.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to helping you become the best you can be. We place a strong emphasis on developing your technical legal knowledge, commercial awareness and professional judgement through a combination of structured learning, practical experience and ongoing feedback. Working on meaningful matters from the outset, you'll have opportunities to build the skills and confidence needed to deliver high-quality work and develop into a trusted adviser.
We also recognise that being a successful lawyer requires more than technical excellence alone. That's why we invest in developing the wider skills that will help you thrive throughout your career, including communication, collaboration, relationship-building, leadership and problem-solving. Alongside this, you'll have access to coaching, career development conversations and support focused on wellbeing, resilience and building the confidence to navigate an evolving professional landscape.
We encourage a culture of continuous learning and curiosity, empowering you to take ownership of your development and explore opportunities that align with your interests and career goals. Our learning resources are designed to support you at every stage of your career.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, inclusion, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.