Incoming Apprentices and Trainees

Your training contract or apprenticeship is scheduled to begin on the date set out in your offer documentation. If there are any changes to your start date, we will contact you directly. You will also receive onboarding information, induction details and first-day arrangements closer to your start date.

You will receive onboarding communications before joining the firm. These will include any actions you need to complete, information about induction and details about your first day.

Induction is designed to prepare you for joining DLA Piper and typically includes training, networking opportunities, introductions to key teams and systems, and information about life at the firm.

Working arrangements vary by office and team. Further information about hybrid working and office attendance expectations will be shared once you join the firm.

If you have any questions regarding other employment, internships or commitments before joining DLA Piper, please contact the Early Careers team for guidance based on your individual circumstances.

Guidance on dress code and first-day expectations will be provided before you join. If you are unsure, we recommend opting for professional business attire on your first day.

Depending on your location and role, verification checks may include right to work checks, identity verification, criminal record checks, employment reference checks, education verification, professional qualification checks, regulatory checks and conflict checks. Additional checks may apply depending on local requirements.

Verification checks are managed through DLA Piper's onboarding providers. You will receive instructions directly if action is required.

Please follow the instructions provided in your onboarding communications and submit any requested documents within the stated timeframe.

If additional information is required, the relevant onboarding team will contact you directly.

Yes. Employment reference requests can be submitted through the appropriate HR process. If you require a reference, contact us.

Yes. Tenancy reference requests are processed through HR and are typically completed within a few working days.

Visa sponsorship may be available for future trainees who require sponsorship to commence employment, subject to immigration requirements and firm policy.

If you have already accepted an offer and are progressing through the visa process, please contact the Early Careers team handling your programme.

Yes. If your immigration status changes at any point before joining the firm, please notify the Early Careers team as soon as possible.

Funding arrangements vary depending on your qualification route and location. This may include programmes such as the PGDL, SQE1 and SQE2, LLM Legal Practice, Professional Practice Course (PPC), Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (DPLP) and other approved qualification programmes. Further guidance will be provided by the Early Careers Development Team.

The firm will provide instructions and guidance on course enrolment. Further details will be shared before your studies begin.

This depends on the qualification and location. In some cases, the firm will pay course fees directly to the provider. In others, you may be required to pay a fee and claim reimbursement. Full details will be provided by the Early Careers Development Team.

Yes. Eligible future trainees who are required to complete the PGDL as part of their qualification route will receive sponsorship in line with the terms of their training contract.

Yes. Future trainees joining offices in England and the UAE are required to complete SQE1 and SQE2 regardless of whether they have previously completed the LPC.

Please contact the Early Careers team as soon as possible. Each situation is reviewed individually, and the team will discuss any available options with you.

Where applicable, the firm provides maintenance grants in accordance with the terms of your training contract or apprenticeship agreement. Information about eligibility, payment amounts and application processes will be shared in advance.

You will receive instructions on how to apply, including any forms that need to be completed and submitted.

Processing times vary. If you have submitted all required documentation, payment will usually be processed after your enrolment has been confirmed.

If you believe there has been a delay, please contact the Early Careers team for support.

If your graduation date changes or your academic timetable is amended, please contact the Early Careers team as soon as possible so that we can assess whether any action is required.

Requests to defer a start date are considered only in exceptional circumstances and cannot be guaranteed. If you wish to request a deferral, please contact the Early Careers team with details of your circumstances.

Please contact the Early Careers team as soon as possible if your phone number, email address or home address changes before you join the firm.

Information about seat preferences and allocations will be shared during your induction period and throughout the Future Lawyer Pathway. Timings may vary depending on office and business requirements.

Yes. You will have opportunities to express your seat preferences throughout the Future Lawyer Pathway. While preferences are taken into consideration, seat allocations are ultimately determined based on business needs and availability.

As a general principle, training contract and apprenticeship offers cannot usually be transferred to another office once accepted. Exceptional circumstances may be considered.

Any technology and equipment required for your role will be arranged by the firm and provided either before or shortly after your start date. Further details will be included in your onboarding communications.

Many of our early careers programmes include a buddy or support network to help new joiners settle into the firm. Details will be shared before or shortly after your start date.

Yes. Trainees and apprentices are supported by supervisors and other colleagues throughout their programme to help guide their development and learning.

You will have the opportunity to share any reasonable adjustment requirements during onboarding. The firm will work with you to understand your needs and consider appropriate support.

No. Any information you provide will be treated confidentially and used only to help facilitate appropriate support.

The Early Careers team is available to support you before you join the firm. If you have any concerns about your studies, wellbeing, relocation or joining arrangements, please get in touch.