Bar Traineeship 2027

Explore the intersection between law and business. Find out how an international law firm makes an impact in Belgium and across the world. Develop the foundation of skills you need for a global legal career. You’ll do all this and more during your bar traineeship in our our offices in Belgium (we have an office in Brussels and a working hub in Antwerp).  

Your time with us

As a lawyer trainee, you'll embark on a global career that transcends traditional boundaries. You'll contribute to a firm that embraces new ideas and fosters progress. With a focus on shaping the future of law, you will engage in work that is as diverse as the world we live in.  

The bar traineeship is designed for those who possess a global mindset and appreciate the nuances of local contexts. Here, you will engage in the most stimulating work, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Be at the forefront of legal innovation, working on high-profile, cross-border projects that will shape the future of law and business. You’ll see how we think across borders to find creative solutions for our clients. 
• Emerge from the programme not just as a lawyer, but as a global business advisor equipped to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world. 
• Join a forward-looking, friendly team while collaborating with colleagues across the world to drive results you're proud of. 
• Develop your knowledge and skills through structured learning and development opportunities and our supportive culture. 
• Be supported by a strong network of supervisors, buddies, and mentors to develop your confidence and identify your own personal and professional goals. 
• Have dedicated support to ensure your journey on the programme reflects your career aspirations.  
• Be part of an international early careers community full of talented colleagues who’ll become part of your global network. 
• Have opportunities to engage with initiatives beyond your role, including legal tech, sustainability and pro bono work. 
• Enjoy a working environment where your wellbeing is always a priority, and where your workload will be managed to ensure you can always deliver your best. 

You’ll have the freedom to discover your own path and make an extraordinary impact beyond the borders of traditional law. Tomorrow’s legal industry can’t hire yesterday’s skills.  

Unlock your potential and start your journey to building a different kind of legal career.  

About you

• You’ll be fluent in either Dutch or French. 
• You’ve obtained or will obtain a Master of law at a Belgian university. 
• If you’re applying for EU competition law, global trade or government affairs, you’ll be a Master of law graduate at any university within the EU or/and you'll have obtained an LLM from a UK or US university (a Belgian degree is not mandatory). 
• You’ll have a consistently strong academic record. 
• You’ll have the right to work in Belgium. 
• Only one application can be made per year. This means that you’ll need to select your preferred office location and practice group programme before applying. We welcome applications from candidates who have been unsuccessful in previous years.  

In addition to the eligibility criteria, we’re looking for individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.  

To succeed on our Early Careers programmes, you don’t need any specific legal experience or education, but you will: 

• Have an interest in international law and business. 
• Have a forward-thinking and entrepreneurial mindset and will be excited about doing things differently in the legal industry.  
• Be self-motivated by a strong desire to achieve your personal and professional goals.  
• Enjoy collaborating with others and will be instinctively socially aware.  
• Have a growth mindset. You’ll see setbacks as learning opportunities, and you’ll proactively look for ways to grow and develop.  
• Enjoy working in an ever-changing environment. 
• Enjoy taking ownership of tasks and thinking critically.  

About Us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all.   If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.