EARLY CAREERS

Master de Acceso
Internship

About this programme

Our Master de Acceso internship takes place over an academic year. The internship will support your registration for the mandatory traineeship to qualify for the bar exam in Spain.

Master de Acceso Internship

Explore the intersection between law and business. Discover how an international law firm makes an impact in Spain and across the world. Develop the foundation of skills you need for a global legal career. You’ll do all this and more across our six to twelve month Master de Acceso internship in our Madrid office, starting in September annually.

This isn’t just a chance to shadow our lawyers. You’ll play a real role in our teams and take on real responsibility from day one. You’ll experience the cutting edge of the legal sector and how law can unlock potential across the world and in your own career. That includes seeing how a purpose-led organisation makes a difference through our pro bono work and sustainability commitments.

The internship is your chance to see if law is a career you can thrive in. You’ll also develop your personal and professional skills through experiences that will be valued in any sector you choose to continue into. We’ll ask you to choose your preferred practice groups when you apply and will try to assign you to one of these for the programme.

During the internship, you’ll:

Work on a variety of interesting challenges across different sectors and practice groups
Join a diverse and friendly team while collaborating with colleagues across the world.
Have opportunities to engage with initiatives beyond your role, including technology, sustainability and pro bono work.
Develop essential business skills through our extensive learning programmes and supportive culture.
Be supported by a strong network of supervisors, buddies and mentors to develop confidence and identify your own personal and professional goals.
Be part of an international early careers community full of talented colleagues who’ll become part of your global network.
Enjoy a working environment where your wellbeing is always a priority.

What do we look for?

Whilst we value previous internship experience, you don’t need any legal experience for this programme. We look for people with the skills for success at DLA Piper and in a legal career. These include:

A motivation to work in the legal industry.
Taking pride in every aspect of your work, where no detail is too small.
Connecting with others to create strong, lasting relationships.
Adapting your approach depending on the situation and in the face of any obstacles or setbacks.
Strong communication, drafting and analytical skills.
Commercial awareness with an interest in legal and business news.

Please note: Applications for our 2025 programme will open in September 2024.

Am I eligible?

You’ll need to be a strong English (at least C1 level) and Spanish speaker, reader and writer. Also:

You’ll have graduated from a law degree or double degree.
You’ll have achieved a GPA of 7 for dual bachelor’s degree and GPA of 7.5 for single bachelor’s degree.
You’ll be studying the ‘master de Acceso’ or double masters (specialised masters).
You’ll have the right to work in Spain for the duration of the programme (35 hours per week). We are unable to sponsor visas for the Master de Acceso Internship.

Key dates

Applications open: September 2024
Application deadline: December 2024
Internship duration: 6 to 12 months
Internship start date: September 2025

DLA Piper in Spain

Watch this video to learn more about life at DLA Piper in Spain.

Accessibility

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.

DLA Piper attends Careers Days in Spain

We enjoy meeting law students at universities across Spain to showcase DLA Piper! Students enjoy learning about our values and our Early Careers opportunities, as well as meeting our lawyers and HR team.

Recruitment roadmap

Application form

Complete our application form to give us some key information about you and submit your CV.

Assessment day

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to an assessment day at our offices. On this day, you’ll complete a group exercise so we can get to know you better and see how you work in a team.

Online English assessment

We use an online English assessment to test your English language skills. The online assessment is untimed and you can complete it at your own pace. But you have to complete your assessment within five working days of receiving the link.

We recommend you spend some time practising to get used to the types of questions you may be asked. You’ll be required to obtain at least a C1 pass level in this assessment.

Business case

You’ll be invited to complete a technical written assessment relating to the practice group you’re aspiring to join. This assessment will be assessed by lawyers within the practice group.

Interviews

The interviews with HR and colleagues within our practice groups will assess your motivations for and alignment to the role you’ve applied for. They’re focused on the behaviours that are important for success at DLA Piper. The interview is also your chance to demonstrate your strengths and help us get to know you better.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tell me more about DLA Piper in Spain?

We offer a unique blend of global and local insights and perspectives. As a leading global law firm in Spain, we deliver exceptional legal services to our clients and shape the future of the legal industry.

In Madrid, we have over 90 lawyers who offer a full range of services. We understand the market and local legislation and provide legal advice to our national and international clients operating in the Spanish market.

Our people come from a diverse range of backgrounds; it’s what sets us apart. By opening up a range of different and unique perspectives, we can service our clients better.

Do you accept international law students?

Within our Master de Acceso Internship, international law students are eligible to apply if they are currently studying the Master de Acceso and they plan to apply to the Bar Exam in Spain.

Do interns rotate between different practice groups during the internship?

No, you’ll join one practice group for the internship duration. We’ll ask you to choose your preferred practice groups when you apply and will try to assign you to one of these for the programme.

Do interns participate in pro bono activities during the internship?

Yes, we encourage all interns to participate in pro bono activities.

What career opportunities are available after the internship?

At the end of the internship, you’ll have the opportunity to be assessed, based on your performance, and our availability, for a position as a Lawyer with us.

How can my career progress at DLA Piper?

You’ll follow a personalised learning journey to support your career development and growth.

Is fluent English mandatory?

Yes, you’ll need to be a strong English and Spanish speaker, reader and writer (minimum +C1 level). Your English language skills will be assessed during our assessment and selection process.

Do you accept mitigating circumstances for academic results?

If you do have any mitigating circumstances that you’d like us to take into account alongside your application, please contact us to discuss further.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Please contact Daniela Fermín (HR Advisor) if you have further questions.