Judicial clerks

From clerkship to client impact

Bring your experience. Build your future.

Start strong from day one

Your deep understanding of the court system and how judicial decisions are made sets you apart. Here, you join complex cases early, contribute meaningfully, and work side by side with seasoned teams across practices.

Leadership and development

We help our lawyers reach their highest potential, deliver excellent client service, and build strong connections with our people, clients, and communities. Through training and mentoring, we support professional growth and prepare associates for the path to partnership.

Stay committed to purpose

Your dedication to justice continues through our pro bono programs. From local advocacy to global human rights work, we offer real opportunities to make an impact beyond client matters.

Join a network of clerks

You will be part of a strong community of former clerks across the firm who understand your background and support your growth.

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Our impact

In the Impact by DLA Piper series, our people share the stories behind impactful work for clients and communities around the world.
Hear from the leaders behind these matters and initiatives as they discuss the challenges, opportunities and outcomes that define their work.

Innovate and accelerate

Talent and technology

Our unwavering commitment to innovation has revolutionized the delivery of our legal services, providing you with the tools to excel in the future workforce. Our success is evidenced by numerous third-party awards and endorsements, including the Financial Times Innovative Lawyer Awards and the BTI Best in Client Service recognition.

Accelerate your transition

We invest in your growth from day one. Our Ambassador program pairs each Judicial Clerk with a dedicated colleague to help navigate the transition. Clerks are also introduced to advisors who provide career advice and mentorship.

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Benefits and FAQs

Learn more about our benefits

Yes. We recruit judicial clerks and consider clerkship experience an asset.

We seek candidates with federal appellate or district court clerkships, including experience with specialized courts, such as the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, bankruptcy courts, or the US Supreme Court.

Prior law firm experience is not required but strongly preferred.

Our culture is defined by professionalism, a high-performance mindset, and rigorous training to prepare our people for complex legal challenges. As a global firm with a big-picture perspective and unmatched capabilities, we offer meaningful work and the opportunity to accelerate your career at every stage.

Applications typically open in early fall for positions starting the following year. We encourage clerks to apply during their clerkship year.

Most clerks join DLA Piper after completing their clerkship, often in the fall. Start dates may be flexible based on court schedules.

Interviews for post-clerkship positions generally occur in the fall or winter of your clerkship year on a rolling basis. It is recommended to reach out as early as possible.

Offers may be extended before or during a clerkship depending on your judge’s specific rules.

To apply for a post-clerkship position at DLA Piper, please visit our careers site to submit your online application. Required materials include:

Resume
Law school transcript
Writing sample (This should not be substantially edited by anyone other than the applicant.)

You may also contact the firm's Talent Acquisition team for guidance during the process.

Please contact DLA Piper's Talent Acquisition team for details on clerkship hiring and policies.

View opportunities

To explore opportunities outside the US, visit:

DLA Piper careers in Asia Pacific | DLA Piper careers in Canada | DLA Piper careers in EMEA | DLA Piper careers in Latin America

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. All applicants have rights under Federal employment laws which may be viewed in the Job Applicant Poster Viewing Center. | California Job Applicant Privacy Notice | Fraud Alert

Bring your experience. Build your future.

Start strong from day one

Leadership and development

Stay committed to purpose

Join a network of clerks

Our impact

Innovate and accelerate

Talent and technology

Accelerate your transition

Benefits and FAQs

Does DLA Piper actively recruit judicial clerks?

What kinds of clerkship experience does the firm seek in candidates?

Is prior law firm experience required?

What is your culture like?

When do post-clerkship applications open?

When do judicial clerks typically start at DLA Piper?

When do interviews typically occur?

Is it possible to extend offers either prior to or during a clerkship?

How do I apply?

Who can I contact for more information?

View opportunities

To explore opportunities outside the US, visit: