The summer associate program provided me with a great opportunity to get a jump start on building relationships with associates and partners whom I would likely work with as a junior associate. Having those relationships made the transition from summer associate to first-year associate much smoother."
From the first day of my summer program, I was treated like a member of the team and given projects similar to those I would work on as a first-year associate. That insight into life as a junior associate made me extremely confident accepting the firm's offer to return after law school. As a partner now, I try to pay that experience forward by staffing our summer associates on real deals and providing them with substantive junior associate experiences."
Being a junior associate doesn't, and shouldn't, limit you to doing just unsexy work – take ownership of your projects and extend yourself. It also doesn't, and shouldn't, limit you to all work and no play – maintain the fun and balance in your life."
My DLA Piper summer associate experience provided me with valuable insight into the culture of the firm. Most importantly, though, I forged meaningful relationships with the staff, associates and partners, which enabled me to accelerate my integration into the firm when I started as an associate."
During the summer associate program, our lawyers will provide you with a stimulating, realistic and exciting taste of legal life. You'll experience challenging days filled with client work, relationship-building opportunities and lively activities. You will be engaged and make an impact in a range of legal assignments and practice areas.
Where you spend your summer is an important decision. Our summer program allows you to experience life as a lawyer through practice and observation. You'll also be encouraged to take part in our pro bono and community work – not only because it's the right thing to do, but because it will develop your skills in leadership, teamwork and communication. We are committed to providing a standout experience and are proud to offer the following opportunities; click below to learn more:
The Krantz Fellowship provides two first-year associates the opportunity to spend their initial year of practice fully engaged on pro bono matters.
Our Los Angeles office prepared meals for more than 60 families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
During the summers, many of our offices have helped Habitat For Humanity build houses.
Our San Diego office took part in a food packing event, sorting and repacking avocados, which were then distributed throughout San Diego via Feeding America San Diego's hunger relief programs.
The highlight of the summer associate program is the 2.5-day firmwide summer associate retreat. Among past locations: Chicago, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco and New York.
Summer associates have a chance to hear from and interact with DLA Piper's senior leaders to learn about the firm's history, vision and values.
The retreat includes training sessions to help summer associates develop the skills they will need as they launch their legal careers.
Each year, summer associates form friendships and working relationships that will span their careers.
Summer associates are engaged in a range of legal assignments and practice areas. In past years, summer associates have actively participated in projects such as drafting a board consent, deposition preparation, preparing cross-examination outlines and researching legal issues.
Summer associates have the opportunity to observe more senior lawyers conducting high-value legal activities such as attending trials, depositions, negotiations, closings, arbitrations and client meetings.
The summer associate training programs cover topics such as legal writing, ethics, legal research, contract drafting, negotiations, business development and relationship building.
Feedback and mentorship is critical. Our lawyers are committed to providing summer associates with immediate and meaningful feedback throughout the program. Summer associates also receive written evaluations for each assignment they complete. Additionally, each summer associate is assigned one or two mentors to act as their guide for the summer.
In some of our offices, summer associates are given the opportunity to work side by side with a DLA Piper client for up to a week during the summer associate program.
Take me out the ballgame! From Silicon Valley to Baltimore to New York, our summer associates enjoy one of America’s favorite past-times while cheering on their favorite baseball teams.
After years of eating macaroni and cheese as students, our summer associates love the chance to participate in cooking classes across the country. They have a terrific time working as a team to create new dishes.
In the ultimate test of teamwork and puzzle solving, many of our summer associates try their hands at escaping the room.
Summer associates get to experience some of the best food in cities across the country.
Where will your career path take you?
Meet three of our partners and learn from their experiences.
There is more than one way to be a successful attorney, and we are proud to have a population of diverse lawyers whose everyday practice styles vary. This is why we do not look for one prototype. We are searching for candidates who blend skills that include a strong academic record and superior personal qualities. Below are just a few of the elements that can make an individual stand out from the rest. Flip the boxes to learn more.
Organized
Effectively multitasking while balancing numerous deadlines is less daunting when you have the skills to approach your day systematically.
Problem Solver
Do you look past the obvious answer? Our clients rely on us to have a deep understanding of the task at hand as well as to provide analytical solutions.
Collaborative
A team approach is more than leaving your office door open. Our teams are built across offices, practices and borders, drawing on diverse experiences to create better results.
Enthusiastic
We aren't talking about bringing pom-poms to the office, but we know that positive work energy is contagious. For attorneys, hours may vary – it is important to enjoy what you do.
Confident
Our lawyers have an entrepreneurial drive and are encouraged to seek the best solutions. Sometimes, that means having the confidence to suggest a new approach.
Committed to Quality
Exceptional work product draws on all these attributes. We seek candidates who have demonstrated that they can achieve the best results.
Our interviewers are excited to learn more about you and to help you to learn more about DLA Piper, our people and what attorney life is like here. We understand that interviewing can be nerve-racking, but remember: you are interviewing us, too.
Know yourself
What kind of experience are you looking for? What do you want to gain from a summer program? What are your strengths, and how will you contribute to the firms you are considering? What are your short- and long-term goals? What have you learned from past experiences that will benefit you as a summer and full-time associate? What motivates you? These are among the things we would like to know, and they are all things that successful associates consider as they plan their careers. And please be prepared to speak to any of the points on your resume, including your interests.
Use your resources
Consult with your Career Services staff and participate in educational and networking activities. Reach out to alumni. Take advantage of your professional network.
Be prepared
You are already preparing by reviewing our website. We recommend that you also prepare to discuss why you want to work with us and prepare to show us that you know who we are. We encourage you to not only research the firm but also to research the interviewers you will be meeting at each stage of the process, so that you understand what makes each of them unique. A significant turnoff is when students mention information that does not apply to a firm as the reason for their interest ("I want to work at a small firm" when you are interviewing at a large firm). Know what you are looking for and who you are talking to, and ask thoughtful questions. Bring extra copies of all of your application materials. Dress appropriately.
Sample questions
Below are some of the types of questions you can expect to discuss during the interview process.
- How will you succeed at DLA Piper?
- Tell me about a time when you accomplished something you were especially proud of.
- How did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in law? What experiences have confirmed your decision?
- What is a significant challenge you have faced?
- How would your professors describe you?
- How do you prioritize your responsibilities and ensure you have time for yourself?
Please see our most frequently asked questions below.
If you're at a law school where we generally conduct on-campus interviews, you may apply through your school's career placement office. If we aren't currently scheduled to visit your campus, please apply directly by submitting an online application.
If we aren't currently scheduled to visit your campus, please apply directly by submitting an online application.
We may have a limited number of positions for first-year law students. To be considered, please apply online after December 1.
Callback interviews are very thorough, generally lasting from two to four hours. You will meet with four to six partners and associates. If at your particular office they ask you to lunch as part of your interview, we encourage you to go. It's a great chance to meet DLA Piper lawyers in a less formal setting. Also, if you'd like to learn more about a specific practice group or the experiences of a specific lawyer with a diverse background, please ask your recruiter. The recruiting staff would be happy to provide you with information on our travel reimbursement policies, if they apply.
Your recruiter or Hiring Partner will let you know when you should expect to hear from us following your interview.
Absolutely! We would enjoy having you back for a follow-up visit. Please contact your recruiter to schedule a mutually convenient time. Be sure to let us know if you'd like to meet with lawyers at a specific level (junior/senior associate or partner), in a specific practice group or from a specific diverse background.
The firm administers all employment terms and conditions without regard to age, citizenship, color, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability of an otherwise qualified individual.
Yes! Each summer, DLA Piper hosts 1L scholars in our offices. The application process opens around December 1 each year. Please visit the job opportunities page to see which offices have Scholar positions available.
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