EARLY CAREERS

Insight
Programme

About this programme

Discover what it truly means to be a part of a global law firm with our Insight Programme. Immerse yourself in practical workshops, panel discussions and much more.

The DLA Piper Insight Programme brings together university students from across the UK and Ireland who are interested in a career in law. The students who attend the programme are from a mix of different universities and degree backgrounds, providing you with the opportunity to network with other likeminded individuals in our London office.

Insight Programme

Our in person Insight Programme offers students an insight into life at a global law firm. Our programme includes:

An insight to DLA Piper, our practice groups and our global scale and reach in the legal sector
An interactive legal case study
Professional skills training, including advice on how to excel in our application process
The opportunity to meet our senior leaders and current trainees

Our 2024 Insight Programme will be hosted during the Easter break in our London office.

This programme is perfect for those that are interested in finding out more about DLA Piper and our Summer Internship programme.

Furthermore, upon completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity submit a fast track application for our 2025 Summer Internship, provided you have the right to work in your chosen office location.

Am I eligible?

Studying a law degree: you can apply for the programme if you are a first-year student on a three-year course or a second-year student on a four-year course
Studying a non-law degree: you can apply for the programme if you are a second-year student on a three year course or a third-year student on a four-year course
Open to students from any degree background at universities across the UK and Ireland. Please note if you are studying abroad at the time of Insight Programme you will need to have the right to work in the UK.

Key dates

Programme dates: 3 - 4th of April 2024
Applications open: 15th September 2023
Deadline: We recruit on a rolling basis, and therefore would encourage early applications.
We are now closed for any further applications for our Insight Programme.

Meet us

Programme overview

Watch highlights from our three-day Insight Programme 2023, where we welcomed 100 students from 32 different universities across the UK and Ireland. First and second-year students gained insights into life at a global commercial law firm. The attendees heard from current trainees and senior leaders within the firm, giving them an in-depth overview of our practice groups, innovation at DLA Piper, sustainability & resilience, inclusion & diversity and interactive workshops to provide them with professional skills training.

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.

Recruitment roadmap

Application form

Our application form will capture some key information regarding yourself and will also ask you to submit an answer to our application question regarding your motivations to apply to DLA Piper. We will also ask you to submit a CV.

Rare CRS

DLA Piper is proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). We will ask all applicants to complete a contextualised information survey, which is not mandatory. The CRS allows us to understand each candidate’s achievements in the context that they have been gained. We understand that not all candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, regardless of their background.

Online assessment

The Watson Glaser online assessment is untimed and to be completed at your own pace. However, you must complete your assessment within five working days of receiving the link.

There are various practice Watson Glaser assessments available online and we would recommend spending some time practising these to familiarise yourself with the types of questions you may be asked. You will also be sent a link from us with a further practice assessment you can take before undertaking the final assessment.

Video interview

The video interview has been developed to assess your motivations and alignment to the role you have applied for. It will consist of three questions which are focused on the behaviours which are important to be successful at DLA Piper.

Ready to shape your future with DLA Piper?

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of applying for your Insight Programme?

Our Insight programme is designed to give you a look into what a career at DLA Piper is really like.

The programme will provide a great introduction to the legal sector and our practice groups. It will also help build your confidence and your professional skills and workplace capability.

Who qualifies to apply for your Insight Programme?

Our Insight Programme is open to both law and non-law students and we do not have academic entry requirements for this programme.

If you are studying a law degree, you can apply for the programme if you are a first-year student on a three-year course or a second-year student on a four-year course.

If you are studying a non-law degree, you can apply for the programme if you are a second-year student on a three-year course or a third-year student on a four-year course.

What do you look for in Insight Programme applicants?

We are looking for individuals who can collaborate, be bold, supportive, and exceptional and are committed learning more and pursuing a career with DLA Piper.

We do not have minimum academic requirements at undergraduate level. If you do have any mitigating circumstances that you would like to be taken into consideration alongside your application, please contact us to discuss further.

What does your Insight Programme cover?

Our Insight Programme is open to both law and non-law students. It's designed to give you an insight into life at DLA Piper.

The programme includes:

An insight to DLA Piper and what values the firm stands for
Our approach to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
Our practice groups and innovation in the legal sector
An interactive case study that brings the organisation and the work we do to life
Professional skills training including advice on how to excel in our selection process
The opportunity to meet and engage with senior representatives and current trainees

Will travel and accommodation be covered for anyone travelling outside of London?

Yes, accommodation and all reasonable travel costs will be covered. We will also provide you with breakfast, lunch and dinner on the programme as well.