EARLY CAREERS in the Middle East

Furas internship

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Shape your future

A first-of-its-kind opportunity for UAE Nationals to experience life at the heart of a global law firm. Work in one of our world-leading Dubai practice groups or business services teams for 13 months. Explore the intersection of law and business, take on real responsibilities from day one, and build essential skills for a global legal career. Attend court hearings, work with clients, and grow your professional network while seeing how a purpose-led organisation makes a real difference through pro bono work and sustainability commitments.

We will offer a select number of candidates a permanent role when they finish their internship. You will choose your preferred practice groups and business services teams when you apply and we will try to assign you to one of them for the programme.

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Shape your future

What you will do

  • Work on a variety of interesting challenges across different sectors 
  • Join a diverse and friendly team while collaborating with colleagues across the world
  • Get structured learning and mentorship, while building your network 
  • Explore further interests like legal, tech, sustainability and pro bono work
  • Thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises your wellbeing
What you will do

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.

Self-motivated and highly driven

Self-motivated and highly driven

You are proactive and strive for excellence. You pursue goals with purpose and determination, whether working independently or as part of a team.

Excitement for international law and business

Excitement for international law and business

You are curious about global legal developments, regulatory shifts and geopolitical trends.

Strong collaborator with social awareness

Strong collaborator with social awareness

You are an excellent communicator, active listener and team player who contributes to an inclusive, supportive work environment.

Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge the norm

Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge the norm

You think creatively, embrace new ideas and challenge conventional approaches. You thrive in challenging environments and aim to excel.

Ability to think critically, adapt and take ownership

Ability to think critically, adapt and take ownership

You have an ability to assess situations from multiple perspectives, adapt quickly to change and take responsibility for delivering exceptional results.

Growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities

Growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities

You are resilient, reflective, and always eager to learn, leveraging setbacks as an opportunity to sharpen your thinking.  

Are you eligible?

You will need to be a strong English speaker, reader and writer as our work is typically in both English and Arabic, depending upon the area of focus. Also: 

  • You will be a UAE National holding a Family Book.
  • You will be completing your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in your final year of study, or a recent graduate or career changer.

Only one application can be made per year. 

Key dates

  • Application deadline: 31 March 2025
  • Programme start date: June 2025
  • Duration: 13 months
Key dates

Furas Talent Community

Furas is our pioneering Emiratisation programme designed to unlock more potential in one of the most exciting areas in the business world. The programme focuses on hiring and developing more homegrown UAE National talent to help us build a sustainable UAE workforce and deliver a positive impact for DLA Piper and for the UAE economy. 

Sign up to our Furas talent community to receive information about our career opportunities for UAE Nationals.

Furas Talent Community

Global careers without limits – our early careers induction

Learn about the experiences of our Class of 2024 trainees and solicitor apprentices from Hong Kong, Ireland, the UAE and the UK during their induction.

Application hints and tips

Hear from our early careers team and discover how to succeed in your application.

Give your career the best platform

Do you want to unlock an exciting future and realise your potential? Learn more about life at DLA Piper and the opportunities on our early careers 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.

Accessibility
    Recruitment roadmap

    What to expect

    • Application form

      Fill in our application form to give us some key information about you. We will also ask you about your reasons for applying to DLA Piper. And we will ask you to submit a CV.

    • Online English assessment

      We use an online English assessment to test your English language skills. The online assessment is untimed and you can complete it at your own pace. But you have to complete your assessment within five working days of receiving the link.

      We recommend you spend some time practising to get used to the types of questions you may be asked.

    • Interviews

      The two strengths-based interviews will assess your motivations for and alignment to the role you’ve applied for. They’re focused on the behaviours that are important for success at DLA Piper. The interview is also your chance to demonstrate your strengths and help us get to know you better. 

    What to expect
    Abdulla Al Matrooshi, Intern, Dubai

    It’s exciting to be part of a firm that’s shaping the future of law. Approach your career with confidence and a willingness to grow, because law is as much about adapting and innovating as it is about knowing the rules.

    Abdulla Al Matrooshi
    Sultan Al jaberi, Intern, Dubai

    I'm trusted to take ownership of tasks, interact with clients, and contribute meaningfully to major matters.

    Sultan Al jaberi
      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      Your questions,
      answered

      Yes! The Furas internship is aimed at students from all degree disciplines, although the roles within our practice groups are aimed at individuals with a law degree. You can apply for the programme if you’re in your final year of study and graduating in 2025. You are also eligible to apply if you’re a graduate or looking for a career change.

      We don't have minimum academic requirements for the undergraduate degree.

      If you have any mitigating circumstances that you would like to be taken into consideration with your application, please contact us to discuss further.

      No, you don’t need any prior work experience. 

      Yes, we accept applications from people who’ve already completed their degree.

      During your internship, we will regularly check in with you to identify your goals and career aspirations. 

      At the end of the internship, we will assess your performance and will help you to explore longer term career opportunities at the firm. The Furas programme is aimed at attracting, recruiting, and retaining more homegrown UAE talent, and we therefore want to support your career growth at the firm.

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