U.S. Summer Program - Franchise & Distribution Candidates (JD Year 2029)

DLA Piper LLP (US); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper's Franchise and Distribution group invites Class of 2029 law students to join the 2028 summer program in our Chicago office. You will gain practical experience, work on IP-focused matters, and receive tailored development and pro bono opportunities.

You will be assigned a team, receive feedback, and have opportunities to network through social events during the 10-week program.

Qualifications

• Class of 2029 law students are eligible.
• Interest in intellectual property preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills required.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with clients, lawyers, and colleagues.
• Produce quality deliverables and timely responses.
• Meet deadlines and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Engage with team members and participate in feedback sessions.
• Participate in both in-person and virtual meetings and events.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Pro bono oriented

Education

Class of 2029 law students

J.D. candidate/LL.B.

Job description

Summary

DLA Piper’s Franchise and Distribution group is seeking exceptional law students to join the 2028 summer program in the Chicago office. We are seeking candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset, who are motivated to build their legal skills and gain insight into client needs.We value innovators and creative thinkers. If you thrive on challenge and value teamwork, we want to hear from you. As a summer associate in our Franchise group, you will receive a tailored experience along with pro bono opportunities. Our in-depth training focuses on your development and helps prepare you for the future. You will be assigned a team who will provide support and offer feedback, and you will be able to build your network through social events. Our 10‑week program provides insight to what life is like as an associate at DLA Piper. Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated interest in intellectual property.

Requirements

This application is open to the Class of 2029 law students.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as
  • (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing;
  • (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls;
  • (c) participating in meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

Hybrid with in-office expectations.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Pay Transparency

The weekly pay for this position is currently expected to be $4,326. Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

Application Process

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process.

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Get to Know Us

We invite you to learn more about us. Please visit the following pages for more information about DLA Piper.

Laterals

• Lateral Partners
• Law Students
• Business Professionals

Job applicant poster viewing center.