Opportunity, unlocked
We’re a world of opportunity, and the key to a global career.
Here, you’ll have the freedom to seize opportunities, shape your path, and grow in a truly international environment.
We’re not only one of the world’s leading law firms – we’re an innovative, inclusive place to start and build your career.
If you are a third year law student, looking to take the first step in your career and make a meaningful contribution, take this fantastic opportunity to join the DLA Piper Summer Associate programme, taking place between 13 July and 11 September 2026.
We can consider offering flexible internship arrangements, with durations starting from six weeks.
It’s time to start a different kind of legal career!
About you
Participants in our Summer Associate programme have always been highly talented individuals who share our values. You are a strong candidate if, among other qualities:
- 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 gives you the opportunity to discover whether a career in an international law firm is the right fit for you.
You will get to know your practice group, experience meaningful work, and build the best possible foundation for your professional development.
You will also grow your personal and professional skillset through experiences valued in any future career path you may pursue.
The DLA Piper Summer Associate programme offers exceptional training, learning and development opportunities, as well as genuine exposure to a wide range of work and clients in a friendly, supportive, and motivating environment. By joining us, you will have the chance to:
- experience the working environment in a top-tier business law firm
- collaborate in a team, sharing information and knowledge
- strengthen communication, client relations, and teamwork skills
- learn how to deliver a high‑quality, professional service in a timely manner
- develop a flexible mindset by working on multi-jurisdictional ongoing projects for clients from diverse 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.
DLA Piper's office in Bucharest supports clients with a team of more than 50 internationally trained lawyers and tax consultants combining industry knowledge built on local projects with international experience gained while advising major global clients.
Our legal and tax services cover Corporate, Employment, Competition, Life Sciences, Finance, Intellectual Property and Technology, Real Estate, Tax, Litigation. Every day we help trailblazing organizations seize business opportunities and successfully manage growth and change at speed. Visit dlapiper.com to discover more.
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 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.