At DLA Piper, we offer a handful of sought-after Summer Clerk and Law Clerk openings in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Staff: Approximately 120 people based in New Zealand

Contact: nzcareers@nz.dlapiper.com

Here you’ll have the freedom to seize opportunities and act boldly, bringing a commercial edge as you build something better.

Opportunities for students (Discovery Day, Summer & Law Clerkships)

In the face of fundamental changes in the legal industry, DLA Piper are redefining the structure and approach of the traditional law firm.

We compete at the highest level, drive change and deliver more to make a tangible difference for our people, clients, and communities. We work with a diverse range of clients across the world and the matters we advise on are often complex and challenging – transcending not just practice areas, but borders, languages and legal systems. You’ll have the freedom to discover your own path and make an extraordinary impact beyond the borders of traditional law.

DLA Piper offers a range of opportunities for students at various stages of study.

If you’re curious about life at DLA Piper, attending our Discovery Day is a great way to learn more. Our Discovery Day is designed to give you a look into what a career at DLA Piper is really like. The day provides a great introduction to the legal sector, our practice groups, and also helps build your confidence and professional skills. Our Discovery Day is held in both our Auckland and Wellington offices, you can also join virtually. The day is best suited to 3rd year students.

We also offer a handful of sought-after Summer Clerk and Law Clerk opportunities in New Zealand. This isn’t just a chance to shadow our lawyers. You’ll play a real role in our teams and take on responsibility from day one.

Our Summer Clerkship is for penultimate year students and we have opportunities in both Auckland and Wellington.

Our Law Clerkship is for final year students and we have opportunities in both Auckland and Wellington.

We are looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm. We offer a world of opportunity, and the key to a global career.

Meet Kyle Grimsley

Solicitor

“During my time at DLA Piper, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the legal profession and started developing skills that are essential for a successful career in law.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

What first inspired me to pursue a career in law was visiting South Africa’s Constitutional Court in 2012. That experience sparked my interest in the legal profession and its ability to make an impact, even though I didn’t end up following a path in public law.

From there, my passion for law grew naturally. In high school, I became the debating captain, took part in public speaking competitions, and really enjoyed the challenge of presenting arguments and thinking critically. Everything came together when I decided to study law in New Zealand.

Why did you choose to work at DLA Piper?   

I started working at DLA Piper while I was completing my law degree, and the firm immediately stood out to me due to its global reach. I knew early on that I wanted my career to extend beyond New Zealand, and DLA Piper offered the perfect platform to work with lawyers and clients from around the world.

What truly convinced me, though, was the people. From my very first interview, I was struck by how friendly and supportive everyone was, and that’s something I’ve experienced consistently ever since. The combination of global opportunities and a genuinely welcoming environment made it an easy decision to start my legal career here.

What have you learned from your experiences at DLA Piper?

During my time at DLA Piper, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the legal profession and started developing skills that are essential for a successful career in law. I’ve had the opportunity to rotate through the EPNR and Real Estate teams, and I now work full-time in the Corporate team, where I’ve been exposed to really rewarding work.

Beyond building my technical legal knowledge, I’ve learned how important collaboration and communication are in this profession. Working closely with senior lawyers, clients, and different functional teams has taught me how to juggle competing priorities and deliver high-quality results, even under tight deadlines.

How would you describe the culture at DLA Piper?

What makes DLA Piper unique is the “no one gets left behind” mentality. Whether you’re in the lunchroom or at your desk, there’s a strong sense of community and support that surrounds you. One aspect I particularly value is the junior culture. There are no cliques or sub-groups within the firm—instead, we function as one cohesive group, both in and outside of work, creating a genuinely inclusive and friendly environment.

Another standout feature is the firm’s encouragement for juniors to step up and take initiative. Whether it’s helping to organise events or leading people-focused initiatives through our networks, there are always opportunities to make meaningful contributions. If you have a good idea, you can trust that others will back you and help bring it to life.

How does the firm support professional development and career growth?

The firm provides incredible support for professional development and career growth through ongoing training and unique opportunities. In the Corporate team, for example, juniors meet a few times a week with a different partner to discuss concepts we’re unsure about or to learn new ones we haven’t encountered yet. It’s a collaborative and practical way to build knowledge and feel more confident when starting new work.

One of the opportunities I’m particularly excited about is the chance to take part in international secondments. Each year, a few team members are seconded to other DLA Piper offices – Paris, Sydney, Singapore, London, and Hong Kong. It’s not only a fantastic way to gain exposure to different offices, but also a chance to build relationships with colleagues across the firm’s global network.

How does the firm handle work-life balance for its people?

Working at a global firm like DLA Piper does mean that sometimes we need to schedule calls at unconventional hours to align with offices in different time zones. That being said, I’ve been lucky that my calls with clients from New York and Tokyo haven’t required any late nights.

What really helps in managing work-life balance is the firm’s focus on wellbeing. Our Thrive people-network offers a wide range of resources to support our people both professionally and personally. These resources cover all aspects of wellbeing—physical, mental, and financial—and help ensure that everyone has the tools they need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What do you think makes DLA Piper different (to other law firms)?

It’s clear that DLA Piper is known for its global reach, but what really sets the firm apart is its ability to balance global and national work. This means that, in one day, we will be advising large New Zealand companies in the morning and collaborating with colleagues in Hong Kong by the afternoon. This dynamic environment allows me to work on a diverse range of projects while being part of a global network, providing both local expertise and international insight.

Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experiences at DLA Piper?

The highlight has definitely been the friends I’ve made at the firm—whether it’s grabbing coffee every day, after-work activities, or just hanging out in the lunchroom. No one else quite understands our experiences like we do. I especially remember when I was dealing with some imposter syndrome early on; the support I got from everyone made me look forward to coming into work every day.

What pro bono or sustainability-related activities have you been involved in?

Although DLA Piper is a commercial firm, the firm is deeply committed to pro bono work, and I’ve been fortunate to be involved in a number of initiatives. My first exposure to pro bono work was during my summer clerkship, where I assisted the European pro bono team on a climate displacement research project.

More recently, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Rainbow Law at the University of Auckland to launch a pro bono programme aimed at introducing university students to pro bono work. This programme also gives the students the chance to work alongside lawyers on real pro bono cases, with a focus on Takatāpui/Rainbow issues. One particularly impactful project was a campaign to introduce a framework for same-sex marriage in Hong Kong, where students collaborated with lawyers from both the New Zealand and Bangkok offices.

What does diversity, equity and inclusion mean to you, and how are you involved in DLA Piper’s people networks?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are values that are deeply important to me, both personally and professionally. For me, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to be themselves at work. It’s not just about representation, but about making sure that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences.I’m proud to work for a firm that shares these values.

At DLA Piper, I’m actively involved in Iris, the firm’s Takatāpui/Rainbow people-network. Through Iris, I help organise events, firm initiatives, and workshops that educate and raise awareness about Takatāpui/Rainbow issues. It’s been an incredible way to foster a more inclusive workplace while also creating opportunities for the firm to come together and celebrate diversity. I have also been very active in Community Care, a people-network dedicated to giving back to our community and Thrive, our people-network committed to ensuring our people thrive, both in and out of work.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at your firm?

If you’re thinking about a career at DLA Piper, go for it! It’s a place where you can truly shape your career, with so many opportunities to grow and learn. The firm encourages you to be proactive and take ownership of your path, whether that’s through international secondments, getting involved in firm initiatives, or taking on new types of work.

It’s also a great environment for building relationships and learning from colleagues at all levels. People genuinely care about helping each other succeed, and you’ll find that the firm’s inclusive culture makes it easy to build connections and feel supported.

So, my advice would be to bring your curiosity and your drive—this is a place where you can thrive if you’re eager to take on challenges and make a real impact.

Meet Huma Shehzad

Solicitor

“DLA Piper stands out from other law firms due to its global presence. As one of the largest global law firms in the world, we have access to people and resources in more than 40 countries, enabling us to provide seamless legal services to clients with both domestic and international needs.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

I have always been intrigued by the way law influences our everyday lives. I came to understand that law is a powerful tool for understanding and defending one’s rights. With a natural inclination to identify gaps in arguments and think critically, I recognised that law would be the perfect career for me. It offers an opportunity to develop a skill set that enables me to advocate for others and advance the interests of clients, helping them achieve their goals.

Why did you choose to work at DLA Piper?

I chose to work at DLA Piper because of the warm and welcoming nature of the team. I also believed it was the ideal place for me to begin my career as a litigator, given the wide variety of clients and matters our team handles. This exposure to such a diverse range of legal issues offers juniors like me excellent opportunities to learn and grow.

What have you learned from your experiences at DLA Piper?

During my time at DLA Piper, I’ve learned that every day brings something new. Working in the litigation and regulatory team, adaptability and staying alert are crucial for meeting tight deadlines and handling the evolving aspects of a case. Since starting, I’ve gained significant confidence in my legal skills, from conducting research and writing emails to drafting court documents, and these abilities are consistently challenged. I’ve found that working in such a fast-paced environment accelerates learning, and as a result, I’ve experienced substantial personal and professional growth.

What has surprised you most about DLA Piper?

I was pleasantly surprised by DLA Piper’s strong commitment to community initiatives and diversity and inclusion. Each person is given two days of leave each year to participate in community-focused activities, such as tree planting events, fundraising drives for Canteen, and volunteering with the Auckland City Mission. Another initiative I’m particularly proud of is the Head Start program, a responsible business initiative. Launched in 2020 in partnership with The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, the program supports students from low-decile secondary schools by helping them through tertiary education with mentoring, internships, and financial assistance. This initiative is especially meaningful to me, as the current Auckland Head Start students are from my alma mater, Auckland Girls Grammar. It’s incredible to see the firm actively working to break down barriers for underrepresented groups entering the profession.

How would you describe the culture at DLA Piper?

I enjoy working at DLA Piper because the Firm is committed to investing in and shaping my professional future. DLA Piper provides the perfect opportunity for junior lawyers to engage directly with leading lawyers while working on high-profile matters within tight-knit teams. As juniors, we build a strong network, sharing new experiences and supporting each other through challenges. DLA Piper’s supportive culture is evident in the dedication of the Partners, who take a genuine interest in our career development. I have had Partners actively engage with me about my career goals, encouraging us to network and enhance our skills to become the best lawyers we can be. I’ve gained so much from having the opportunity to ask questions, knowing that senior colleagues are always willing to help and mentor me.

What are the firm’s values and how do they influence your work?

DLA Piper has four key values which are:

• Be Supportive
• Be Collaborative
• Be Bold
• Be Exceptional

I believe these values are truly embodied and integrated into our daily work. In the litigation team, juniors collaborate closely with partners, actively demonstrating the values of support and collaboration.

Due to the firm’s global reach, I’ve had the opportunity to work on high-profile domestic cases as well as engaging matters for international clients. This experience challenges us to be bold and exceptional, ensuring we deliver the best possible service and outcomes for our clients.

How does the firm stay ahead of industry trends and changes?

The firm is highly proactive and attentive in monitoring industry trends and changes, ensuring that we continuously adapt to the evolving landscape. In particular, DLA Piper is enhancing our digital and technological capabilities through our innovation arm Law& which focuses on developing new technologies, products, and services. Additionally, DLA Piper is leveraging the power of AI in law with the creation of Aiscension, a tool that quickly scans millions of communications to identify potential risks related to bribery and cartels within an organisation. These initiatives demonstrate DLA Piper’s commitment to staying ahead of the competition, ensuring we deliver efficient and relevant services to our clients.

What do you think makes DLA Piper different (to other law firms)?

DLA Piper stands out from other law firms due to its global presence. As one of the largest global law firms in the world, we have access to people and resources in more than 40 countries, enabling us to provide seamless legal services to clients with both domestic and international needs.

Our global reach allows us to engage with international clients, offering a diverse range of work. Even as juniors, we have the opportunity to work on cross-border matters, expanding our legal perspective beyond New Zealand. While handling cases outside of the New Zealand jurisdiction can be challenging, it offers a valuable opportunity for growth and to deepen our legal expertise.

Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experiences at DLA Piper?

The highlight of my experience at DLA Piper has been the authentic friendships I’ve built with my colleagues. The supportive and close-knit culture among the juniors makes it easy to form lasting personal connections and professional networks that go beyond our roles at the firm. In fact, I was so grateful for these relationships that I invited my DLA Piper colleagues to my wedding this year!

What pro bono or sustainability-related activities have you been involved in?

DLA Piper is a leader in the industry with a robust pro bono practice, actively encouraging all lawyers to engage in pro bono work. Our commitment to pro bono is unmatched and deeply ingrained in our culture. This approach aligns with our vision to be “truly local, truly global,” ensuring that our pro bono efforts are tailored to the local contexts and cultures in which we operate. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to assist the UNHCR with their flagship digital project, the Rights Mapping and Analysis Platform (RiMAP), which maps and analyses state refugee laws and policies across more than 90 countries. I collaborated with my colleagues to develop the matrix for New Zealand, analysing the country’s laws and policies relevant to refugees.

What does diversity, equity and inclusion mean to you, and how are you involved in DLA Piper’s people networks?

As a first-generation female Pakistani Muslim, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the law are incredibly important to me. When I first considered pursuing a legal career, I was initially uncertain whether the profession would have room for someone who didn’t fit the traditional conventional mould of what a “lawyer” looked like. However, the culture in the legal industry has shifted immensely, with greater recognition of the progress needed to be made to make the legal profession an inclusive and diverse space. DLA Piper is actively advancing equity and inclusion through its people networks. I am involved in the LAW committee, which is part of the firm’s gender balance network open to all employees, not just women. This committee plays a crucial role in advancing our vision of a gender-balanced and inclusive workplace. Additionally, I am a member of the Mosaic Committee, which is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture by celebrating the heritage and identities of our people. I am incredibly proud to be part of both committees, which actively work to create space and empower other lawyers like me, ensuring we feel included and welcomed in the legal profession.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at your firm?

DLA Piper is a firm that genuinely welcomes and celebrates individuals from all backgrounds. I would encourage anyone considering a career here to bring their authentic self to work and use the recruitment process as a chance to explore what you want from your legal career. Take advantage of firm events and interviews to learn about the firm, our culture, and practice areas, and assess how you would fit in. After attending the recruitment day and speaking with people at the firm, I felt that I could be true to myself while also being valued, which confirmed that DLA Piper was the right firm for me.