2025/26 SYDNEY SUMMER CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
DLA Piper is a global business law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA and the Asia Pacific. We help clients succeed through innovative and pragmatic legal solutions. Leading businesses across the world trust us with their most complex matters and rely on our seamless cross-border prowess and sector knowledge. Wherever you are, and whatever your challenge, we speak your language.
It's in our DNA
Unlike many law firms, DLA Piper is organised to provide clients with a range of essential business advice, not just on large scale mergers and acquisitions and banking deals but also on people and employment, commercial dealings, litigation, insurance, real estate, IT, intellectual property, plans for restructuring and tax. It has a comprehensive, award winning client relationship management program and the brand is built upon local legal excellence and global capability.
Life moves fast at DLA Piper, and with good reason. We help the world's top companies with their business-critical issues. Many of the deals we work on are complex and challenging – transcending not just practice areas, but borders, languages and legal systems.
In everything we do we’re connected with our People, our Clients, and our Communities. We live by four values: Be Supportive, Be Bold, Be Collaborative and Be Exceptional.
As a firm, we never standstill. We think nimbly and seize opportunities. We're ambitious and are never afraid to innovate. So, if you possess these qualities too, there could be a bright future for you at DLA Piper.
The opportunity
We provide cutting-edge learning and development programs, and an opportunity to work alongside some of the best legal minds around.
We are looking for applicants to take part in an 8-week clerkship during the following period:
Summer Intake: November - December 2025 and January - February 2026.
As a summer clerk, you can expect a varied experience both in and outside the office. You will work in a creative, dynamic environment with some of the best legal professionals in the world, gaining first-hand experience doing real legal work.
The clerkship is 8 weeks in duration and will commence with a two-day national induction program in the Sydney office. The induction program will give you the opportunity to hear from the firm's senior leaders, to participate in professional skills training, to attend networking events and to participate in responsible business activities.
All 2025/26 summer clerks will automatically be assessed for a 2027 Graduate position. Joining us as a clerk is your best pathway to a graduate position with DLA Piper.
Applications close 6 July.
Apply now and be a part of our future.
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.
For our people, that means a world of opportunity. You'll shape the future, have the freedom to seize opportunities, and discover your own path. Together, we unlock our potential and redefine what we can achieve.
At DLA Piper, diversity, equity, and inclusion is about creating a sense of belonging. We strive towards a workplace and culture where everyone feels that they belong, that their voice counts and that they can prosper in their career. For us, diversity is about the unique blend of talents, skills, experiences, and perspectives that make each of us an individual. 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.
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 agile working.
Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.
Apply nowRequesting 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.
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.