DLA Piper China Summer Internship 2026

Overview:

Explore the intersection between law and business. Find out how an international law firm makes an impact in China 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 summer internship in either our Beijing or Shanghai office.

Your time with us:

This isn’t just a chance to shadow our people. You’ll play a real role in our teams and take on real responsibility from day one. Whether meeting with clients, or developing your professional network, you’ll experience the cutting edge of the legal sector and how law can unlock potential across the world and in your own career. That includes seeing how a purpose-led organization makes a difference through our pro bono work and sustainability commitments.

The internship is your chance to see if law is a career that you could thrive in. You’ll be giving your career the best platform by developing your personal and professional skills that will be valued in any sector you choose to continue into. You’ll do all this and more during your internship in either our Beijing or Shanghai office.

During your internship, you will:

• gain hands-on experience within your assigned practice group(s) at your chosen office location;
• explore the complexities of our global work and contribute to impactful solutions across borders;
• collaborate with a forward-looking, friendly team and connect with colleagues in other DLA offices worldwide.
• Develop your skills through structured learning and development opportunities in our supportive culture;
• Receive guidance and support from supervisors, buddies, and mentors to build confidence and shape your personal and professional goals;
• Join a vibrant international early careers community and expand your global network;
• Have opportunities to engage with initiatives beyond your role, including legal tech, sustainability and pro bono work;
• Enjoy a working environment where your wellbeing is always a priority, and to be supported in delivering your best.

What we look for:

In addition to the eligibility criteria, we’re looking for individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Are current law students from a top-tier PRC law school, graduating in 2027;
• Have a strong interest in international law and business;
• Possess excellent spoken and written English and Putonghua Mandarin;
• Demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills;
• Are self-motivated, proactive learners with a growth mindset—viewing setbacks as opportunities to grow;
• Can commit to a full-time internship during July–August 2026 and part-time during the 2026/2027 academic year;

• Value collaboration and have a growth mindset. You’ll see setbacks as learning opportunities, and you’ll proactively look for ways to grow and develop; and
• Take ownership of tasks, think critically, and strive to achieve personal and professional goals.

You’ll have the freedom to discover your own path and make an extraordinary impact beyond the borders of traditional law. Tomorrow’s legal industry can’t hire yesterday’s skills.

Come and show us your strengths in action. Following your time with us, selected summer interns might be offered a position on the post-summer internship that starts in September 2026. Candidates with exceptional performance demonstrated during the internship programme will be offered an employment opportunity with DLA Piper after their graduation in 2027.

Unlock your potential and start your journey to building a different kind of legal career.

Application Closing Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

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