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Ready to shape your future with DLA Piper? Here’s everything you need to know about the next steps.
What we look for
We hire trainees from all kinds of backgrounds. Not only does this allow us to serve our diverse client base better; it keeps our thinking fresh by opening up a wider range of perspectives.
While you could be studying from a range of degree subjects, you will need a strong academic record. But it goes further than that. You’ll need to be naturally inquisitive, have plenty of drive and possess a genuine commitment to your career path. Among other things, we’ll be looking at your extracurricular activities for evidence of these qualities.
Application timeline
Apply online
You apply for an Easter / summer scheme or training contract online.
Psychometric tests
You complete two online tests which cover verbal reasoning and a personality questionnaire.
Assessment day
You participate in a series of exercises and an interview at one of our offices.
Easter / summer scheme (optional)
If you applied for an Easter / summer scheme you are automatically assessed for a training contract during the scheme.
Training contract
If successful, you are offered a training contract.
Further information
Step 1: Online application for Easter/Summer scheme OR training contract
Our application form is simple to complete. At this stage we want to know about your education, career motivations, and any relevant work experience. You can find some useful hints and tips about how to complete the form in the FAQ section below.
Step 2: Online psychometric tests
We want to know what makes you tick and these assessments tell us a little more about who you really are. You will complete two online tests:
1) a verbal reasoning test designed to measure your ability to evaluate and interpret written information
2) a personality questionnaire which assesses how you might approach work in different situations and environments
Step 3: Assessment day
The final stage is an assessment centre where you will meet senior members of the DLA Piper team, learn more about our businesses, meet current graduates and participate in a series of exercises and an interview. This is a challenging part of the process but a good way for you to demonstrate your skills and capabilities. We know most people also find it fun and rewarding. You’ll learn a lot more about how well DLA Piper will fit with you, too.
We’ll be in touch as soon as we can after your assessment centre. Whatever the outcome, you’ll be offered feedback on your application at this stage so you take valuable learning from the experience. It's really important to us that you have a good experience throughout the whole assessment process.
Step 4: Summer scheme OR training contract
Our current application round is now closed. Please check back for new application information when it is announced.
Application information
We welcome applications from students with either a law or non-law degree who have achieved, or are expecting to achieve, a 2.1 classification and who meet one of the following minimum requirements:
- ABB from three A-levels (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking)
- Five Scottish Highers within the A and B band
- 35 points from the six chosen subjects in the International Baccalaureate
If you did not complete any of the above qualifications during your secondary education, we would expect you to have achieved the equivalent grades (320 UCAS points) in the relevant jurisdiction.
We will consider applicants who do not meet these academic standards if there are mitigating circumstances or you have significant experience from a previous career.
If you have not met our academic standards and cannot provide any mitigating circumstances or significant work experience from a previous career, your application will not be considered.
While completing the form we recommend you save your information regularly and review the form carefully before submitting it.
All applicants will be contacted regarding the outcome of their application.
For the secondary education section, please provide full details of ALL subjects studied and examinations taken at GCSE/A Level/AS/A2/Standard/Highers; or equivalent qualifications.
For the college/university education section, please provide a full breakdown of all modules studied and individual grades achieved at degree level or equivalent; and where applicable for GDL and LPC for each module. Please indicate where any resits have been necessary, giving both sets of results.
When completing the 'Education' section of the application form, please refer to your official examination results and degree transcript(s).
You will be asked to provide ALL copies of GCSE/A Level/AS/A2/Standard/Highers transcripts; or equivalent results and ALL copies of any degree, GDL and LPC transcripts, during the recruitment process (you are likely to be asked to provide these at the first round assessment stage).
Any misrepresentation of academic grades, or omission to disclose any academic grades may result in the cancellation of your application.
Please note that we will not approach referees until an offer of a training contract has been made. Therefore, please only include details of someone that you have worked with in paid employment or internship. Alternatively, you could give a personal referee who has known you for a number of years.
We do not accept CV applications. However, if you have a specific reason why you are unable to complete an online application, or if you require any additional support in completing the application form, then please contact recruitment_graduate@dlapiper.com.