DLA Piper LLP - True Picture

Firm profile

At DLA Piper, innovation and challenging the status quo are the vital spark to how we think and what we do. Together, we create exceptional experiences, outcomes and growth for our clients and people.

We make this happen with a culture where graduates bring their passion and individuality to work every day.

DLA Piper is a global business law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries, with over 90 offices throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

We help clients succeed through innovative and pragmatic legal solutions. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises, start-ups, public sector bodies and governments. DLA Piper’s sector groups cover the full range of business law services.

In today’s world, environmental, social and governance issues are of critical importance to business. At DLA Piper we are helping clients transition to, and thrive in, a more sustainable future. We ask tough questions about purpose and transparency and find the answers together.

We are also looking for opportunities to integrate sustainability into our governance, decision-making and operations. We ensure their people have the right resources and support they need to perform and deliver at our best for clients.

We, at DLA Piper are connected with our people, clients and communities in everything we do. We live by four values:
• Be Supportive: We care about others, value diversity and act thoughtfully.
• Be Bold: We stand tall and challenge ourselves to think big.
• Be Collaborative: We give, we share and we join in.
• Be Exceptional: We exceed standards and expectations.

Main areas of work
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. We have a comprehensive, award winning client relationship management programme and our brand is built upon local legal excellence and global capability. DLA Piper has the following practice groups: corporate, employment, finance and projects, restructuring, intellectual property and technology, litigation and regulatory, real estate, tax.

Training opportunities
Our International Training Programme seeks to create a culture of learning and development from the time you accept an offer with us. Before starting with us you will be sponsored to attend a Masters level preparatory course which includes the SQE1 and SQE2 examinations which are required to qualify as a solicitor. For non-law degree joiners, a law conversion course will be sponsored before you attend the SQE preparatory course.

Across the two-year programme, you will undertake four, six-month rotations within our practice groups, giving you breadth in your knowledge of the law as well as the practical skills that will stay with you for your entire career. You may also get an opportunity to complete client secondments or international secondments as one of your rotations.

By the end of your Training Programme, you will emerge with a clearer understanding of where your talent and interests lie, which will guide your decision in applying for our newly qualified solicitor roles at the firm. The experience you’ll have gained - and the networks you’ll have nurtured - will provide a strong foundation for your future career at DLA Piper.

Summer internship
Our Summer Internship is designed to give students a real insight into DLA Piper. The programme runs across our Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, London, Dublin, Hong Kong and Dubai office.

Gain first-hand experience of working at DLA Piper with our in-person Summer Internship. Our paid programme starts with an induction event held in the London office (UK, Dublin and Dubai interns) and Hong Kong Office (Hong Kong interns) followed by time working in your chosen office location. This is the gateway to our International Training Programme and will provide you with opportunities to explore your interests and make informed career choices.

Other benefits
Life insurance, private healthcare, cycle to work schemes, gym, restaurant, employee assistance programme.

Open days and first-year opportunities
Our onsite Insight Programme offers students an insight into life at a global law firm. Our programme includes:
• An insight to DLA Piper, our practice groups and our global scale and reach in the legal sector
• An interactive legal case-study
• Professional skills training, including advice on how to excel in our application process
• The opportunity to meet senior representatives and current trainees.

Our 2024 Insight Programme will be hosted during the Easter break in our London office.

This programme is perfect for those that are interested in finding out more about DLA Piper and our Summer Internship programme.

Furthermore, upon completion of the program you will qualify to submit a priority application for a Summer 2025 Internship at any of our participating offices, provided you have the right to work in your chosen location.

Eligibility

•Studying a law degree: you can apply for the programme if you are a first-year student on a three-year course or a second-year student on a four-year course.

• Studying a non-law degree: you can apply for the programme if you are a second-year student on a three-year course or a third-year student on a four-year course.

• Open to students from any degree background at universities across the UK and Ireland. Please note if you are studying abroad at the time of Insight Programme you will need to have the right to work in the UK.

Deadline: We recruit on a rolling basis, and therefore would encourage early applications. Once we have enough applications for the Insight Programme applications will close.

Apply now!