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.
2025 Summer Internship Induction Highlights
Watch this summer internship induction week, where we welcomed over 100 interns from the UK and Ireland for three days of interactive workshops, networking, social events and talks from our senior business leaders.
Take the next step
Application for our 2027 Summer Internship are now open, apply for your chosen office using the link below:
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.
Once you have completed your internship, you could be offered a place in our Future Lawyers Pathway.
*Please note that candidates offered a training contract in our Northwest (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.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive in a career in law. To succeed on our early careers programmes, you don’t need any specific legal experience or education, but you will:
Have a genuine interest in global business and commercial law, with an enthusiasm for learning and exploring different practice areas.
Bring fresh perspectives and are excited by the opportunity to challenge convention and embrace new ways of working.
Are proactive, self-motivated and driven to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Enjoy working collaboratively, build strong relationships, and value diverse perspectives and experiences.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and development, using feedback and challenges as opportunities to improve.
Approach problems thoughtfully, considering evidence and different viewpoints before reaching well-reasoned conclusions.
Take ownership of your work and demonstrate a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.
Are you eligible?
To apply you must be:
A law student in your second year of a three-year degree, third year of a four-year degree, final year of study, or a graduate/career changer; or
A non-law student in the final year of your degree, or a graduate/career changer
Please note: If your law degree is not recognised by the relevant legal regulatory body as a qualifying law degree in the country/jurisdiction where you are applying, you must be in your final year of study or be a graduate/career changer.
You should also:
Have achieved AAB at A-Level (or equivalent)
Be on track to achieve, or have already achieved, a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
Meet the entry requirements set out on the University of Law website
Have the right to work full time for the duration of the programme in your chosen location. DLA Piper is unable to sponsor visas for the Summer Internship programme
Guidance for Edinburgh applicants:
To apply you must be:
Law students: in the penultimate or final year of an accredited Scots Law LLB, or be a law graduate
Non-law students: have already graduated and be undertaking the accelerated Scots Law LLB route
On completion of your LLB, you must be eligible to commence the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP)
You should also:
Have achieved AAAAB at Scottish Higher or AAB at A-Level (or equivalent)
Be on track to achieve, or have already achieved, a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
Have the right to work full time for the duration of the programme in your chosen location. DLA Piper is unable to sponsor visas for the Summer Internship programme
We recognise that individual circumstances vary and will consider mitigating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
We welcome applications from all STEM degree disciplines, but only one application, to one location, can be made per year.
Please note: This does not apply to Discovery Days. You can apply for a Discovery Day and the summer internship programme but your location, for both, must be the same.
You must have the right to work for the duration of the programme (35 hours a week) in the UK.
Key information
Applications close for our 2027 Summer Internship:
London - 23 October 2026 at 17:00 GMT (UTC+0)
Birmingham, Edinburgh, Yorkshire (Leeds) and Northwest (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: 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.
