2026 U.S. Summer Program

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.

Summary

DLA Piper's Private Equity group is seeking exceptional law students to join the 2026 summer program in Chicago and Miami. 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 Private Equity group, you will receive a tailored experience working on transactional matters 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 private equity work.

Our in-depth training focuses on your development and helps prepare exceptional law students 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.

Please apply online and include a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and law school transcript. Please indicate your preferred DLA Piper office location in your cover letter.  

If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process or if you have any questions, please contact the law school recruiting team. Candidates must apply directly online rather than sending application materials by email.

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• 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.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Requirements

Law students must complete the equivalent of two semesters of law school prior to the start of our 2026 Summer Program.

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

In accordance with Chicago's Pay Transparency Law, the weekly pay for this position, if hired to work in Chicago, is currently expected to be $4,326.

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.

Application Process: Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. 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. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact

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. Job applicant poster viewing center.