Summer Internship

Careers grow faster when purpose is clear

On our internship, you’ll see the impact we make in the UK and around the world while exploring the intersection of law, business and technology.

You’ll start building the foundations of a global legal career, working collaboratively with colleagues and clients on high‑value matters that shape industries.
During the 2-3 week, in-person, paid internship, you could be attending court hearings, working directly with clients, collaborating with leading professionals, and you’ll get hands‑on experience of life at a global law firm.

Build the foundation for your career

This internship goes beyond shadowing. You’ll be part of the team, trusted to take ownership and contribute meaningfully.

Discover how DLA Piper combines legal know how, business insight and innovation to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

You’ll develop the skills, behaviours and mindset needed to thrive as a commercial lawyer, while building relationships with partners, lawyers and trainees who will guide your growth and development.

Take the next step

Before starting your application, you'll be taken to our anonymous Realistic Job Preview to explore the role, learn about our ways of working and receive personalised feedback.

* Please note that candidates offered a training contract in our North West (Manchester) office may have the opportunity to complete a seat rotation in our Liverpool office. Similarly, those based in our Yorkshire (Leeds) office may have the opportunity to undertake seat rotation(s) in our Sheffield office.

What you will do

• Start your journey with an interactive induction in London, connecting with fellow interns from across the programme and building your network from day one.
• Immerse yourself in complex work, gaining insight into how our practice and sector groups around the world help clients navigate change.
• Join a collaborative, forward-looking team, contribute to real client matters, and experience the pace and variety of work at DLA Piper.
• Accelerate your development through structured learning opportunities that will strengthen your professional skills.
• Benefit from a network of supervisors, buddies and mentors who will encourage and challenge you and help you make the most of your experience.
• Broaden your perspective by exploring areas such as legal technology, sustainability and responsible business,, highlighting the various ways you can make an impact at DLA Piper.

We’re looking for people from with a variety of experiences and who have the potential to succeed at DLA Piper and thrive in a global legal environment.

Curious about law, business and

technology

You are inquisitive about the world and eager to understand how law intersects with business and technology. You take an active interest in global developments, regulatory change and the commercial context.

Collaborative and inclusive

You enjoy working with others and build positive, inclusive relationships. You communicate clearly, listen actively and contribute thoughtfully to team discussions, recognising that the best outcomes are achieved together.

Open-minded and solutions-focused

You are open minded and proactive, with the confidence to suggest new ideas and challenge conventional thinking. You enjoy problem solving and focus on solutions, not simply the issues.

Critical thinking and sound judgement

You analyse complex problems and situations from multiple perspectives, weigh evidence objectively and exercise sound judgement. You use AI tools responsibly, recognising both their benefits and limitations.

Accountable and committed to quality

You take full responsibility for your outcomes and are committed to delivering high quality in everything that you do. You build trust with others through reliable delivery and have the courage to admit mistakes when they happen.

Growth mindset and continuous learning

You see learning as a continuous process and respond positively to feedback. You reflect on challenges and mistakes, using them as opportunities to develop, improve and strengthen your performance over time.

Self-motivated and determined

You are self-motivated, proactive, ambitious, and determined to pursue goals with purpose. You are focused in your work, especially during moments of challenge.

Are you eligible?

Key information

Applications open for our 2027 Summer Internship: 21st September 2026

Applications close for our 2027 Summer Internship:

• London - 23 October 2026 at 17:00 GMT (UTC+0)
• Birmingham, Edinburgh, Yorkshire (Leeds) and North West (Manchester) - 20th November 2026 at 17:00 GMT (UTC+0)
• Before starting your application, you'll be taken to our anonymous Realistic Job Preview to explore the role, learn about our ways of working and receive personalised feedback.

Programme Dates

Normally Mid June 2027 - Mid July 2027

Applicants will be assessed for a place on the Future Lawyers Pathway, commencing in Autumn 2029.

Our Early Careers team reviews all applications and assessment results, and human judgement remains an important part of deciding who advances to the next stage throughout the process. We are committed to a fair, transparent and inclusive recruitment process.
Under applicable data protection laws, you may have rights relating to automated processing and profiling, including the right to request further information or a review of relevant decisions. For more information, please see our privacy notice here .

At DLA Piper, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments and removing disability-related barriers. This is so everyone, irrespective of a visible or non-visible disability, neurodivergence, a long-term health condition or injury, has an equitable opportunity to succeed in our recruitment process.

If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please get in touch with our Early Careers team and we will be happy to support you.

We understand that sharing your needs with us may feel daunting. We will have an open discussion with you about what will work best for you in the recruitment process, and you only need to share what you feel comfortable with. Our team will ensure that the information you provide will be treated confidentially. The information will only be shared with others involved in the process, on your approval, and where necessary.

We will use the information you share to put adjustments in place for you at any stage, or at multiple stages, of the recruitment process. This is to enable you to perform to the best of your ability, and to have an equitable opportunity to perform and thrive.

Talent that shapes the future

Jon Hayes, Corporate Partner and member of DLA Piper’s Global Executive Committee, shares why early talent is vital to the firm’s future, how technology is reshaping the profession, and what graduates should look for when choosing a law firm.

Our early careers programmes are central to how we attract and develop the next generation of talent at DLA Piper. We've been ranked Top 10 for Law - Solicitors and a Top 300 Employer in the Cibyl UK Graduate Survey 2026, and a Top 200 Employer in the Cibyl UK School Leaver Survey 2026. Voted for by students, graduates and school leavers across the UK, these rankings reflect our commitment to inclusive, high-quality training and to creating an environment where people unlock their potential through their careers.

Times Top 100 Graduate Employers

We've been ranked in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2026-2027. With over 15,000 recent graduates, the list recognises the employers that stand out for the quality of their opportunities. For future talent, that means challenging work from day one, the reach of a global firm and the support to build a career without limits.

Application hints and tips

Hear from our early careers team and discover how to succeed in your application.

Do you want to unlock an exciting future and realise your potential? Learn more about life at DLA Piper and the opportunities on our early careers programmes.

Watch our Summer Internship Induction week 2024, where we welcomed over 100 Summer Interns from the UK and Ireland for four days of interactive workshops, networking, social events and talks from our senior business leaders. Following these three days, our interns returned to complete two weeks of work experience in their chosen office location, across two different practice groups.

Life at DLA Piper

Our culture empowers everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. With the resources to seize opportunities, discover your path, and realise our potential together, see how we support you.

Law& combines law and innovation to create value, delivering efficient legal services and unlocks transformative change. Join our creative, growing team to help leaders harness innovation and efficiency to achieve their goals together.

Explore career opportunities across our international locations, find your perfect role, and join a team where innovation, inclusion, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.