Incoming Summer Interns

The Summer Internship gives you the opportunity to experience life at DLA Piper through real work, skills development sessions, networking opportunities and social events. You'll complete  placements within different practice groups, work alongside our lawyers, and gain insight into our culture and way of working. The Summer Internship also forms part of the assessment process for a place on the Future Lawyer Pathway in the office where you complete your internship.

Yes. All Summer Interns receive a salary for the duration of the Summer Internship. Details of the salary and payment arrangements will be provided in your offer documentation and onboarding communications.

Yes. The programme usually includes opportunities to network and connect with colleagues through a range of social and firm-sponsored events.

The assessment process will be explained in detail during the Summer Internship induction. Assessment is based on your overall performance throughout the programme and is not determined by a single exercise. Assessment typically considers:

• Placement supervisor feedback
• Written exercise
• Group presentation
• Demonstration of the firm's values, strengths and behaviours
• Ability to learn from feedback and develop during the programme

We encourage interns to approach the Summer Internship as a learning experience and to focus on engaging fully with all aspects of the programme.

Due to the short duration of the Summer Internship, interns are expected to attend for the full programme wherever possible. If you have a pre-existing commitment, such as an exam, graduation ceremony or exceptional personal circumstance, please contact the Early Careers team as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

You'll receive joining instructions shortly before the start of your Summer Internship. This will include details of your first day, office location, arrival time, dress code, technology arrangements and induction schedule. Updates will also be shared through the dedicated LinkedIn group and other onboarding communications.

No. You do not need to bring any specific documentation on your first day unless we have contacted you separately to request this. Any technology and materials required for the Summer Internship will be provided by the firm.

The dress code for the Summer Internship is business professional. More detailed guidance will be provided before your start date. If you're unsure whether something is appropriate, we recommend opting for more formal business attire on your first day.

Accommodation for the London induction programme is arranged and funded by DLA Piper. For the remainder of the Summer Internship, interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and travel unless advised otherwise by the Early Careers team.

You will have the opportunity to indicate your preferred practice areas or rotations. While we do our best to take these preferences into account, rotation allocations are ultimately determined based on business needs and the availability of teams during the programme. As a result, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in your preferred area, but we aim to provide all interns with a meaningful experience and exposure to high-quality work.

No. You should apply for a Summer Internship in the office where you would like your Future Lawyer Pathway to be based.

Yes. During your Summer Internship, you'll work closely with a supervisor who will guide your development, provide feedback on your work and help you gain exposure to the practice group. You'll also have support from a Partner and members of the Early Careers team throughout the programme.

Trainees join an international early careers community and receive structured development, practical legal experience, exposure to high-quality work, networking opportunities and ongoing support from the Early Careers team.

Yes. Any technology and equipment required for your internship will be provided by the firm.

Please notify the Early Careers team immediately so they can discuss your circumstances and available options.

If you have any wellbeing, accessibility or personal concerns before joining the Summer Internship, please contact your dedicated Early Careers team member using the details provided in your offer and onboarding communications. We encourage you to get in touch as early as possible so we can discuss any support that may be helpful.

The induction programme alongside peers from across our international offices. The programme typically includes professional skills training, introductions to key business areas, networking opportunities, social events, and sessions with senior leaders to help prepare you for your first seat.

It is a two-year training contract designed to give you broad exposure to different areas of legal practice while helping you build the skills needed for a global legal career. During the programme, you'll complete four six-month seats (rotations) across a variety of practice groups. You'll also have the opportunity to apply for client and international secondments.

We aim to communicate outcomes as soon as possible following the completion of the Summer Internship. The Early Careers team will keep you updated throughout the process and provide further information on next steps when decisions have been made.

While we generally recruit our trainees two years in advance, earlier start dates may occasionally be available depending on business need. However, this cannot be guaranteed.

After accepting your offer, you'll join our Stay Connected programme. This may include networking opportunities, access to firm events, guidance from the Early Careers team, updates from the firm, a trainee buddy programme, and support as you prepare to join DLA Piper.

Yes. We offer a range of client and international secondment opportunities. Opportunities vary each year depending on business needs and availability, and all eligible trainees have the opportunity to apply when positions become available.

Not receiving a Future Lawyer Pathway offer does not diminish the contribution you have made during your Summer Internship. The programme is highly competitive, and decisions are based on overall performance across a range of assessment criteria. You will be informed of the outcome following the conclusion of the Summer Internship and will have the opportunity to receive feedback on your performance.