Discovery Days and Law, unlocked

Law, unlocked is an early insight programme designed for students who are interested in exploring a career in commercial law. It is for first-year law students (or second-year on four-year courses) and second-year non-law students. The programme provides an introduction to DLA Piper, the legal sector and the skills needed for a successful legal career. Participants also gain an understanding of our recruitment process and future opportunities, including Discovery Days and Summer Internships.

Discovery Days are office-based immersive insight events designed to help you learn more about DLA Piper, our people and our work. The event provides an opportunity to experience our culture first-hand, take part in interactive workshops and understand what a future career at the firm could look like.

Our Discovery Days are designed to help you make an informed decision about whether a career at DLA Piper is right for you before applying for a Summer Internship. During the event, you'll:

• Learn about DLA Piper, our practice groups and sectors
• Meet trainees, lawyers and business professionals
• Develop your commercial awareness and professional skills
• Gain practical application and recruitment process advice
• Build your confidence in a professional environment
• Explore what life at a law firm is really like

Law, unlocked is designed to help students explore commercial law at an early stage in their studies. The programme will help you:

• Understand the legal sector and the role of commercial lawyers
• Learn more about DLA Piper and our global business
• Build your confidence and professional skills
• Meet people from across the firm
• Learn about future opportunities available at DLA Piper
• Gain practical advice on developing your career

Our Discovery Days are open to students from all degree disciplines studying at university.

If you are studying a law degree, you may apply if you are:

• In your second year of a three-year course
• In your third year of a four-year course
• In the final year of your studies

If you are studying a non-law degree, you may apply if you are in the final year of your degree.

Please review the individual programme requirements before applying, as eligibility criteria may vary between events.

Our Law, unlocked events are open to students from any degree background studying at a UK or Irish 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. 

Yes. Candidates can apply for both programmes. In fact, Discovery Days are designed to help you learn more about DLA Piper before applying for a Summer Internship. Where possible, applications should be made to the same office location.

You should apply for the Discovery Day in the office where you would be interested in completing a future Summer Internship and joining the Future Lawyer Pathway. Discovery Days are designed to provide an insight into the culture, people and opportunities available in that specific office.

We're looking for students who are genuinely interested in exploring a career at DLA Piper and who can demonstrate curiosity, enthusiasm and motivation to learn.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• Are motivated to learn more about DLA Piper and the legal sector
• Demonstrate an interest in their chosen office location
• Can collaborate effectively with others
• Show a willingness to learn and develop
• Reflect the values of being bold, supportive and exceptional

Each Discovery Day and Law, unlocked event has its own application deadline. Full details of upcoming events, opening dates and closing dates can be found on the relevant programme pages.

Yes. We will cover reasonable travel expenses associated with attending our events. Further information, including booking instructions and any applicable limits, will be provided if you are successful in securing a place.

Yes. Discovery Days are designed to help you learn more about the office where you may wish to complete a future Summer Internship and join the Future Lawyer Pathway. We therefore recommend applying for the Discovery Day in the location that most closely aligns with your future career interests.

Note: Attending a Discovery Day does not guarantee a Summer offer, nor do you have to attend one before applying.

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

When completing your application, you will be given the opportunity to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process or for the event itself.

If you are successful in obtaining a place, a member of the Early Careers team will contact you to discuss your requirements and ensure appropriate support is in place. If your circumstances change after submitting your application, please contact us as soon as possible.