Early Careers

Summer Associate

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Opportunity, unlocked

We’re a world of opportunity, and the key to a global career.

Here, you’ll have the freedom to seize opportunities and discover your own path.

We’re not only one of the world’s leading law firms – we’re an innovative, inclusive place to start and grow your career.

If you are a third year law student, looking to start your career and make a valued contribution, take this fantastic opportunity to join DLA Piper Summer Associate programme, taking place between 14 July and 12 September 2025. Upon request, we could consider offering shorter internships.

It’s time to start a different kind of legal career!

Your skills

Participants to our Summer Associate programme have always been highly talented people with an affinity to our values. You are a strong candidate if, among others:

  • you have successfully passed all your exams with very good grades
  • you have solid legal knowledge
  • you have good command of general English (verbal and written)
  • have an interest in international law and business
  • you are self-motivated, pro-active, and have a positive 'can do' attitude

Your benefits

The programme provides you with the opportunity to discover if a career in an international law firm is the right fit for you. Familiarise yourself with your practice group and give your career the best platform to develop and enhance your skills.

You’ll also develop your personal and professional skillset through experiences that will be valued in any sector you choose to continue into.

DLA Piper Summer Associate programme is an excellent chance for training, learning and development, as well as a genuine opportunity to experience a wide range of work and clients in a friendly, supportive and motivating environment. By attending our programme, you will have the opportunity to:

  • experience the working environment in a top tier business law firm
  • work co-operatively in a team, sharing information and knowledge
  • improve communication, client relations, and team-working skills
  • learn how to provide a professional, quality service in a timely manner, and respond effectively to requests from internal and external clients
  • develop a flexible mindset by working in multi-jurisdictional ongoing projects for clients from various business sectors

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the Summer Associate programme, please make sure you upload your CV (including previous internships), a transcript of your grades and a motivation letter in which you mention your legal areas of interest. All documents should be in English and uploaded individually (word or pdf format).

For any other queries, please refer to monica.brusalis@dlapiper.com.

About us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

Apply now

Requesting Adjustments

At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.

Agile Working

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-Engagement Screening

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers. 

Our hiring approach

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

Our hiring approach
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