Last updated:
DLA Piper
Global commercial law firm offering UK training across several offices, with strengths in corporate transactions, technology, real estate and restructuring.
About DLA Piper
DLA Piper advises businesses on transactions, disputes and their continuing commercial operations. Its practice covers corporate law, finance, employment, intellectual property and technology, litigation, real estate and tax. The international network supports clients operating across multiple jurisdictions, including established multinational businesses, investors and emerging companies.
Its UK offices work together on matters, allowing regional teams to contribute to substantial national and international instructions. This gives applicants a choice of training locations alongside access to a broad commercial practice. The firm’s work combines legal advice with an understanding of clients’ business objectives, including investment, growth, operational change and managing risk.
The two-year training programme comprises four six-month rotations. Trainees discuss their preferences with a dedicated Early Careers programme manager, helping them build experience across practice groups before qualification.
International and client secondments are available to apply for from the second rotation onwards. Trainees can also undertake placements in the Responsible Business team. Support includes supervisors, buddies, mentors and structured learning throughout the programme.
Manchester trainees may have opportunities to complete a rotation in Liverpool, while Leeds trainees may undertake rotations in Sheffield.
Published maintenance grants are £12,500 for the PGDL and £17,000 for the SQE in London. Outside London, the corresponding grants are £8,750 and £12,000. Trainees joining English offices qualify through the SQE route.
Practice areas & rankings
DLA Piper has 94 ranked departments in Chambers UK 2027. Its London Band 1 practices include Corporate/M&A: £100–800 million, Information Technology & Outsourcing, and Restructuring/Insolvency: Litigation. Real Estate: £150 million and above is ranked Band 2.
At the ITR Europe Tax Awards 2026, DLA Piper received nine awards, including Tax Innovator of the Year, Tax Policy Law Firm of the Year and UK Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year. These recognise work across its international tax practice, including innovation, policy and transfer pricing.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 1 for Corporate/M&A: £100–800 million in London in Chambers UK 2027, DLA Piper advises on acquisitions and disposals across industries including energy, infrastructure and technology. Its international offices support transactions involving multiple jurisdictions, with particular experience across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Ranked Band 1 for Information Technology & Outsourcing in London in Chambers UK 2027, the team handles technology agreements, cloud computing, disputes and the technology aspects of acquisitions. Its clients range from emerging businesses developing growth strategies to established companies undertaking digital transformation.
Ranked Band 2 for Real Estate: £150 million and above in London in Chambers UK 2027, DLA Piper advises on substantial investment and development transactions. Its work includes property portfolios, asset management, restructuring and major letting arrangements. The team represented Blackstone on its £800 million acquisition of Village Hotels.
Ranked Band 1 for Restructuring/Insolvency: Litigation in London in Chambers UK 2027, the practice advises administrators, companies and creditors. It combines restructuring expertise with the handling of related disputes, including matters involving retail, financial services and oil and gas businesses.
Awards
International Law Firm of the YearThe Lawyer Awards 2025
The firm's headline win at the 2025 ceremony.
Technology Law Firm of the YearThe Legal 500 UK Awards 2025
One of two Legal 500 UK wins in 2025.
Data Protection Law Firm of the YearThe Legal 500 UK Awards 2025
Won at the same ceremony as Technology Law Firm of the Year.
Most Innovative Law Firms of the Past 20 YearsFinancial Times 2025
Named in June 2025, spotlighting its track record in AI, data analytics and structural innovation.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
Apply online with a CV; no cover letter is required. Before applying, candidates complete an anonymous, non-assessed Realistic Job Preview. A contextual recruitment questionnaire follows the application.
London applications close on 23 October 2026. Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds applications close on 20 November 2026. Applications are reviewed throughout the campaign.
Choose your office carefully, as internship applicants are considered for training in the same location. The main route is the summer internship, although direct training opportunities may occasionally arise.
Use your CV to show your contribution and achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities. Examples from employment, volunteering and university activities can demonstrate initiative, collaboration and judgement. Research the chosen office and identify work that explains your interest in commercial law.
DLA Piper: quick answers
How much does DLA Piper pay trainees?
DLA Piper pays first-year trainees £55,000, rising to £60,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at DLA Piper earn £140,000.
When is the DLA Piper vacation scheme deadline?
DLA Piper's vacation scheme applications close on 20 Nov for the 2026/27 cycle. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does DLA Piper take on?
DLA Piper takes on around 65 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What tests does DLA Piper use in its applications?
Eligible applicants complete an adaptive online strengths assessment. Warm-up questions introduce the format, and no preparation is required. Read the instructions carefully and answer consistently with your own judgement. Approach the assessment in a quiet setting where you can concentrate. Preparation should focus on understanding the role and reflecting on how you work, rather than trying to construct an ideal personality.
Get the tools and support you need to succeed.