DLA Piper
One of the largest law firms in the world by revenue — known for corporate, finance, litigation, and real estate
About DLA Piper
DLA Piper is a global law firm headquartered in London, formed in 2005 through the merger of multiple predecessor firms, with roots in the firm founded by John Biggart in 1764. The firm has 80+ offices in over 40 countries across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, making it one of the largest law firms in the world by both headcount and revenue — exceeding $3.6 billion globally. In June 2025, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron joined the firm as a consultant.
DLA Piper offers approximately 65 training contracts per year in the UK across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, and Liverpool. The firm brands its training contract as the "International Training Programme" — reflecting a genuine cross-border dimension with trainees from UK, Ireland, Dubai, and Hong Kong offices attending a joint induction week in London before beginning their contracts.
The four-seat training contract runs across DLA Piper's core practice areas. Secondments are available to international offices. All UK trainees join an integrated induction week in London regardless of office location.
In September 2025, DLA Piper raised London NQ salaries from £110,000 to £130,000 — an 18% increase — alongside London trainee salary increases to £52,000 (Year 1) and £57,000 (Year 2). Regional NQs also received a 9.3% increase to £82,000.
Practice areas & rankings
DLA Piper achieved 96 practice area rankings in Chambers UK 2026 — reflecting its breadth as a genuinely full-service firm operating across all major commercial practice areas. The firm was named International Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2025. DLA Piper won Technology Law Firm of the Year and Data Protection Law Firm of the Year at The Legal 500 UK Awards 2025.
In 2025, the firm launched DLA Piper Accelerate — a legal technology and AI capabilities platform. In June 2025, the Financial Times named DLA Piper among the “Most Innovative Law Firms of the past 20 years,” spotlighting its track record in AI, data analytics, and structural innovation.
Corporate and M&A
A large and active corporate practice advising on domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity transactions, joint ventures, and capital markets across DLA Piper's global network. One of the most active seats for trainees.
Finance
A comprehensive finance practice covering leveraged finance, acquisition finance, real estate finance, project finance, and restructuring. Ranked across multiple finance sub-categories in Chambers UK.
Litigation and regulatory
A significant disputes practice handling commercial litigation, arbitration, regulatory investigations, and corporate crime. The firm advises on some of the largest and most complex disputes globally.
Real estate
A large real estate practice covering investment transactions, development, planning, and real estate finance for institutional and private clients. One of the most active practice areas for trainees.
Technology, intellectual property, and data
A leading technology and data practice, reflecting DLA Piper's strong technology sector focus. Covers IP, data protection, technology transactions, and digital commerce. Ranked Band 1 by Chambers UK for data protection.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
The application process begins with an online application form, where candidates are asked to provide key personal, academic, and work experience information. Applicants must also upload a CV. A cover letter is not required. As part of the application, candidates are asked to answer several written questions exploring their motivation to apply to DLA Piper, their interest in pursuing a career as a commercial solicitor, and the experiences, skills, and qualities they would bring to the firm. Strong applications demonstrate a genuine understanding of both the commercial legal sector and DLA Piper’s distinctive global platform, while providing clear evidence of the candidate’s suitability for the role.
How to answer why youDLA 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.
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?
Successful submission then leads to the Watson Glaser critical thinking test, a timed assessment of logical thinking, deduction, inference, and argument evaluation.
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