Explore the intersection between law and business. Find out how an international law firm makes an impact in Italy and across the world. Develop the foundation of skills you need for a global legal career. You’ll do all this and more during your 6-month full time and paid internship in our Milan or Rome office, taking place from September 2025 to March 2026.
Your time with us
This isn’t just a chance to shadow our lawyers. You’ll play an active role in our teams and take on responsibility from day one. You’ll attend court hearings, work with clients and develop your professional network. Experience the cutting edge of the legal sector and discover how law can unlock potential across the world and in your own career. See how our purpose-led organisation makes a difference beyond our day-to-day work through programmes like our pro bono work and sustainability commitments.
The Internship is your chance to see if law is a career you can thrive in. You’ll also develop your personal and professional skillset through experiences that will be valued in any sector you choose to continue into. You’ll undertake work experience in one of our practice groups. We’ll try our best to allocate you to a practice group based on your preferences which you’ll share with us in advance. We’ll evaluate the possibility of offering successful candidates a permanent opportunity when they finish their internship.
During the internship, you will
- Work on a variety of interesting challenges across different sectors
- Join a diverse and friendly team while collaborating with colleagues across the world
- Have opportunities to engage with initiatives beyond your role, including technology, sustainability, and pro bono work
- Develop essential business skills through our extensive learning programmes and supportive culture
- Get support from a network of supervisors, buddies and mentors to develop confidence and identify your own personal and professional goals
- Be part of an international Early Careers community full of talented colleagues who will become part of your global network
- Enjoy a working environment where your wellbeing is always a priority and your workload will be managed to ensure you can always deliver your best. Gain support for your registration for the mandatory traineeship to qualify for the bar exam (pratica forense) or for the chartered accountant exam
- Be able to structure your working week so you can balance your time between the office and home through our agile approach called WorkSmart
What we look for
In addition to the eligibility criteria, we look for those with the skills that will enable success at DLA Piper and within a legal career. These include, but are not limited to
- Motivation to work in the legal industry and start your career with us
- A desire to learn more, proactively seeking opportunities to do so
- Taking pride in every aspect of your work, where no detail is too small
- Connecting with others to create long lasting relationships
- Adapting your approach depending on the situation and in the face of any setbacks
The application process
- Complete our application form, preferably in English, to give us some key information about you. We’ll ask you about why you’re applying to DLA Piper, and we’ll also ask you to confirm your practice group preferences. And we’ll ask you to submit a CV and your academic transcripts
- After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to complete some online assessments to test your English language, we’ll give you the chance to demonstrate your writing, strengths and help us to know you better
- The final stage is an interview which will give you the chance to demonstrate your strengths and help us get to know you better
- We recruit on a rolling basis, so you’re encouraged to apply ahead of the application deadline.
Learn more by visiting our early careers website.
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.
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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.
Lawyers
We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career.
Talent Community
Staying in touch with like-minded people is important to us. Our Talent Community provides unique access to our firm so you can discover why we are a different kind of law firm.
Business Professionals
We pride ourselves on the extraordinary impact we make beyond the borders of traditional law. That’s only possible because of the skills our business professionals bring and the environment we create to let them thrive. See where your skills could take you.