Summer
internship

Generative AI (GenAI) is a fascinating branch of AI that can produce original and creative content. It uses complex algorithms and neural networks to learn from data and generate outputs that mimic human-like creativity. The data used to train GenAI tools can be text, images, audio, video or other types of content.

GenAI is changing how we work and will impact how you work in your career. It has the potential to bring benefits and opportunities yet also poses challenges and risks.

If you're planning to use GenAI tools within the recruitment process, we'd recommend being both responsible and cautious. The recruitment process for our early careers programmes is your opportunity to demonstrate your potential – your experiences, skills, strengths and career aspirations. It's also our way of assessing whether you're likely to succeed in an early careers role at DLA Piper.

Integrity and honesty are fundamental attributes of anyone aspiring to work in the legal industry. Using GenAI tools can be helpful in your job search and in the application process, if the tools are used appropriately. Maintaining integrity whilst using these tools requires human direction over how generative AI is used, and here's our top tips for getting this right.

What does good use of GenAI tools look like?

1. Upskilling yourself on the limitations of GenAI technologies and being aware of GenAI tools-related risks and how to prevent them.

2. Being transparent about your use of AI. Be prepared to discuss how you've used GenAI tools in the recruitment process – this will demonstrate your ability to leverage new technologies effectively whilst also showing that you understand what ethical usage looks like.

3. Understanding how the GenAI tools work. GenAI tools like ChatGPT are like a 'really big word calculator' – you don't need to have detailed knowledge about the inner workings of the GenAI tools, but taking the time to understand how they work is important to ensure you're using the GenAI tools appropriately.

4. Researching employers and what different employers are looking for from candidates. GenAI tools can be helpful in finding job opportunities which match your strengths and career aspirations.

5. Helping your initial brainstorming process. GenAI tools can help inspire, clarify and articulate your ideas, but they cannot replicate your personal thoughts and feelings. Always refine the tool's output using your own voice and experiences - an AI-generated response to a motivational question will not authentically convey your skills and experiences.

6. Helping you structure your ideas. Once you've decided what you want to say, a GenAI tool could help you decide how to layout your ideas. Always check the tool's output, which should be used as a first draft for you to edit.

7. Checking written responses for readability, especially for spelling, grammar and clarity.

8. Anonymising your inputs to the tool and removing all personal data and sensitive information. For example, if you're asking the GenAI tool to check your CV for brevity, remember to remove your name from the document you upload. This is because all data inputted into GenAI tools is used to train the algorithm and the tools are not usually capable of maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.

9. Asking the tool for tips on how to prepare for online assessments, for example the Watson Glaser critical thinking assessment. These tips can help you prepare for and reduce your anxiety when completing the real assessment.

10. Using the tool to help you prepare for interviews or assessment centres, by asking for example interview questions.

What does poor use of GenAI tools look like?

1. Copy and pasting AI-generated responses without editing the output or clearly acknowledging where the information has been obtained from. Don't rely on automated personalisation and don't let the GenAI tools replace your personal stories and experiences.

2. Using simple and generic prompts. The tool's output will be based on the question you ask it (known as a prompt) so it may not always provide comprehensive or relevant information.

3. Relying solely on the GenAI tools and not checking the output for factual accuracy. Always understand the sources of the AI-generated content and fact check all outputs.

4. Using the GenAI tools to replace your thoughts and capabilities.

5. Using the GenAI tools to misrepresent your skills, strengths or experiences.

6. Using the GenAI tools to complete online assessments within the recruitment process, because they will give an inaccurate picture of your true abilities. These assessments are designed to assess your capabilities and potential, therefore using GenAI tools to generate answers for you will misrepresent how you naturally think.

7. Using the GenAI tools to give you responses to video interview questions. This is because the responses will not portray your authentic voice, may not contain accurate content and will likely not sound natural when read aloud. Overreliance on scripted responses from GenAI tools will also mean that you'll be less prepared for unexpected questions.

Explore how we're helping clients understand the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence here.

Yes, we do. You can apply for the programme if you are in your final year of study of a non-law degree. You are also eligible to apply if you are a graduate or looking for a career change.

You should apply for a Summer Internship in the office where you would like your training contract to be based. 

We do not have minimum academic requirements for undergraduate degrees in the UK. You just need to meet the entry requirements for the University of Law. 

Please note if you have completed your further legal studies – PGDL, LPC or SQE – you must have a obtained a minimum degree classification of a Merit.

If you do have any mitigating circumstances that you would like to be taken into consideration alongside your application, please ensure to put these in your application. 

Yes, we accept applications from those who have already completed their law or non-law degree.

As we recruit two years in advance, during your 2025 Summer Internship, you will be assessed for a training contract starting in 2027. There might be some instances where we can accommodate a 2026 start date, subject to business needs.

No, we don't accept CVs being sent directly and you won't need to complete a cover letter. You will instead need to apply via the early careers website. 

No, we don't currently offer any adhoc work experience. All available roles are advertised on our early careers website. 

No, you can only apply to one location per year. If you apply to multiple positions, we will only accept your first application.

Yes, but you'll need to apply for a role in the next recruitment season. We won't accept another application for the same intake, but do encourage you to reapply in subsequent years. 

Please contact the Pearson help desk on info@talentlens.co.uk (for UK, Ireland and UAE) or info@talentlens.com.au (for Hong Kong).

Please outline any reasonable adjustments you require in the recruitment process in your application form. Our Watson Glaser is untimed, so you can take as long as you require to complete this. We do, however, recommend completing it in one sitting.

For the video interview, you'll need to let us know that you require extra time prior to completing your video interview. We'll then add on the additional time for you.

You'll need to have the right to work in the location you've applied for throughout the summer internship. We can however sponsor you for a visa if you are successful in receiving an offer to join our international training programme.

From 2024 onwards, all trainees joining our office in England and Dubai are expected to complete both parts of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE - SQE1 and SQE2) rote to qualification.

The tuition and exam fees will be funded by the firm, and we'll support you in the course registration process.

You'll be required to complete the SQE1 and SQE2 even if you've already completed your LPC. 

We don't have a specific application deadline as we recruit on a rolling basis. This means once we have enough applications for a role, we will close the role for any further applications. We therefore recommend you apply early for any role you're interested in. 

We typically recruit trainees through the Summer Internship, but we may at times recruit outside of the internship programme.

Our Summer Internship programme is a fantastic way to get to experience working at DLA Piper. It will help you to get to know our firm and our people. The three-week internship will give you a strong understanding of our values and what we stand for and whether DLA Piper and its practice groups are right for you. At the end of the Summer Internship, you'll be assessed for a place on our International Training Programme (Training Contract) in the office where you complete your internship.