Dublin Training Programme
Our Dublin office opened its doors in 2010, the first major onshore transatlantic funds practice in the city. We were also one of the first international law firms to establish a presence in Ireland. We pride ourselves on combining a collaborative working environment with a determination to provide the highest quality professional services.
Dublin Internship
We run a four-week paid summer internship programme each year. The programme is designed to give you an idea of what it’s like to be a trainee solicitor at Dechert and you will be given real work to do by our lawyers; this can include research, drafting and attending meetings. You will be allocated a trainee buddy as well as a supervisor (an associate or partner), to ensure your time with us exceeds your expectations.
Social events, such as evening activities and dinners, are an important part of our internship programme as they enable you to build relationships with Dechert trainees, associates and partners.
The internship will take place in July 2027. The programme is open to applicants who will have completed at least two years of any degree by the summer of 2027, postgraduates or applicants who have successfully obtained a third-level degree qualification from any discipline.
How to Apply
The first step to securing a place on one of our internships is to complete an online application form. The application form asks you about your academic achievements and work experience to date.
The application window for our internship programme is from 1 December 2026 to 12 February 2027.
The second stage in our recruitment process is a Critical Reasoning Test (CRT) & written exercise. Here we are assessing the key skills you’ll use every day in your future legal career.
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 15-minute telephone interview with one of the Graduate Recruitment team. Collaboration is a core value at Dechert, we believe a real, two-way conversation helps us get to know you (and you us) and gives you space to bring your application to life. We’ll discuss your motivation for commercial law, what draws you to Dechert; our practice areas, clients and culture, and how this aligns with your ambitions. It’s relaxed and collaborative, so bring your questions.
Successful candidates will then be invited to an interview in our Dublin office. This will comprise of a partner interview and an office tour with trainees. We know that candidates are likely to be interviewing with other firms as well, so the interview is very much a two-way process. We provide plenty of time for you to ask questions throughout the day.
Dublin Training Contracts
We recruit two to three trainee solicitors each year, with our trainees starting their training contract in April.
We take your training seriously, both before and after you qualify. As a trainee, you will receive legal skills and commercial training that goes beyond black letter law, with workshops on AI innovations, effective writing, commercial know-how and building technical legal expertise in each practice group you sit in. Our associates benefit from our Critical Skills Institute, which focusses on leadership, management, communication and client relations.
All Dublin trainees will also undertake a seat in the London office. The trainee programmes are consistent which allows our trainees to gain valuable experience within the Dechert network.
We believe the most vital training is that which goes on every day, with your supervisor guiding your work and providing help and feedback. Your supervisors provide continuous guidance. In addition, your professional development is monitored on a regular basis by Dublin partners and the graduate recruitment and development team, all of whom are available to help you.