About this programme
Our four week, in-person paid summer internship will show you what we do, how we work and the impact we make in Hong Kong and across the world.
Programme overview
Watch our 2023 Summer Internship Induction week, 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 four days, our interns returned to complete two weeks of work experience in their chosen office location, across two different practice groups.
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.
Ready to shape your future with DLA Piper?
Frequently asked questions
Do you accept Summer Internship applications from non-law students?
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.
What are your minimum academic requirements?
You must have achieved, or be on track to achieving, either a 2:1 or 3.0 GPA minimum.
Can I apply for a Summer Internship if I have already completed my degree?
Yes, we accept applications from those who have already completed their law degree – as well as career changers and/or anyone who have already completed the PCLL.
Will there be an opportunity to start my International Training Programme sooner?
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.
Can I do a Summer Internship in one office and apply to another for a training contract?
You should only apply for a Summer Internship in the office where you would like your training contract to be based.
Do you accept mitigating circumstances for academic results?
If you do have any mitigating circumstances that you would like to be taken into consideration alongside your application, please ensure to put this in your application form.
Do you accept CVs and do I need to do a cover letter?
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.
Do you offer work experience?
No, we don't currently offer any adhoc work experience. All available roles are advertised on our early careers website.
Can I apply to multiple locations or roles?
No, you can only apply to one location per year. If you apply to multiple positions, we will only accept your first application.
Can I reapply if I am unsuccessful in my 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.
I'm having issues completing my Watson Glaser online assessment. Who should I contact?
Please contact the Pearson help desk on info@talentlens.co.uk (for UK, Ireland and UAE) or info@talentlens.com.au (for Hong Kong).
Can I apply if I require a visa?
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.
I require extra time to be able to complete my Watson Glaser online assessment or video interview. How can I request this?
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.
Is there a deadline to apply?
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.
Do you sponsor the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL)?
Yes. The firm will fund your studies which you will complete before starting your international training programme.
Do you offer any direct training contracts?
No, we only recruit our trainees via the Summer Internship.