U.S. Summer Program - Litigation Candidates (JD Year 2029)

DLA Piper LLP (US); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 191,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking exceptional law students to join the summer program in New York; the 10-week program offers exposure to trials, appeals and related counseling, plus pro bono opportunities. You will be assigned to a team, receive tailored training, and build your network through social events.

Ideal candidates have an interest in litigation; Law Review or Moot Court preferred. The 1L (2027 summer) or 2L (2028 summer) track allows growth within a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer calls, and reply to correspondence promptly.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Meet deadlines and perform duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships and comply with firm policies.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience in trials, appeals and related counseling.
• Work with a team, receive feedback, and build network through events.
• Participate in pro bono opportunities and develop legal skills.

Skills

Clear communication

Deadline management

Teamwork

Professionalism

Education

Law student

Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Program Overview

The DLA Piper Litigation group is seeking exceptional law students to join the summer program in the following offices: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. You may be considered for a 1L position (2027 summer) or a 2L position (2028 summer). 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 Litigation group, you will receive a tailored experience working on trials, appeals, and related counseling 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 litigation. Law Review or Moot Court preferred.

Requirements

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

• 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

Salary & Benefits

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.

Employment Terms

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.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical Demands: Sedentary work: 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.