Trainee & Intern Programmes

Today, Philip Lee is one of the fastest growing law firms in Ireland.

At Philip Lee, our people are our greatest asset and the heart of the firm. That’s why we invest in our people, encourage their growth and support their well-being.

We have curated a positive culture and work-environment to reflect this and put in place different programmes and initiatives, to show how much we value and appreciate our employees. In 1993 our founding partner, Philip, wrote a book on the European procurement directive which became the catalyst to set up his eponymous law practice. Originally specialising in niche areas of law including international trade, competition and procurement law, the firm has grown consistently through a combination of hiring brilliant people and constant innovation.

Professional Development

At Philip Lee we provide our employees with ample opportunity to progress and develop. We offer comprehensive training programmes, to empower our employee’s growth and to give them the tools they need to advance their careers.

We have a range of committees, events & sports teams at the firm such as our:

  • Pro Bono Committee
  • Book Club
  • Social Committee
  • Wellness Committee
  • Green Committee
  • Pride Committee
  • Volunteering Committee
  • Bike to work scheme
  • Employee assistance programme
  • A range of clubs & committees
  • Tax saver scheme
  • Vast programme of talks & events
  • Company days over Easter and Christmas
  • Broad range of development opportunities & training
  • Employee support services & resources
  • Four weeks of paid study leave
  • Free gym membership
  • Social events and outings

We would be delighted to receive your application if you have some or all of the following qualities:

  • A love of learning
  • A strong academic record
  • Commercial awareness
  • Strong writing and research skills
  • An engaging and positive character
  • Great listening skills
  •  An interest in the firm’s areas of expertise

Diversity and Inclusion

We make it our priority to attract and retain a diverse range of talent as it is imperative to our business. We celebrate diversity at Philip Lee as we believe bringing people together with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and creativity at the firm.

What will you do at Philip Lee?

Our Summer Internship is a comprehensive 10-week programme where you will be given the opportunity to learn from our legal professionals and gain an insight into our work, people and culture.

You will  be able to experience what life in a law firm is really like and also promote your personal interests, by getting involved in our various clubs and committees. Philip Lee has a broad range of practice areas and you will be involved in various tasks and activities in one of our main departments.

Who Should Apply?

If you are a Final Year or year 3 Bachelor of Law or Master of Law Student, you are welcome to apply to our 2025 Summer Internship/ Traineeship below.

Please note our application form will go live on Monday, 9 December 2024 and will close on Friday, 24 January 2025.

How To Apply?

  • Please email careers@philiplee.ie with your completed application form and cover letter to apply.
  • Applications open from Monday, 9 December 2024 and close on Friday, 24 January 2025.
  • Please apply through the application form below.
Application Form 2025
  • The Summer Programme will commence on Monday, 26 May and end Friday 1 August 2025.
  • You can download our Intern and Trainee brochure 2025 through the button below.
Intern and Trainee Brochure 2025

Trainee, Elliot Allen writes a summary about his experience at Philip Lee, his involvement in the Summer Programme and the progress he has made within the firm.

Elliot allen 1

My journey with Philip Lee started back in 2015 when I completed a week of work experience as part of my transition year. In 2022, after graduating from my Masters in Common Law in University College Dublin, I got my first real taste of the firm through a summer internship. The following January I accepted an offer of an internship and started to work while studying for the FE-1 examinations. I have since been offered a training contract with the firm and plan on starting in Blackhall Place in September 20.

The Summer Programme is a great way to start, or continue, your journey in the legal world. Upon joining the firm you will be assigned a buddy who will help you settle in quickly so that you can get as much as possible out of the Programme. I have been on both sides of this buddy relationship now and I can safely say they are some of the strongest bonds you’ll form in a workplace. For me, the most motivating thing about the Philip Lee Summer Programme is that you know there is an opportunity to be rewarded for your hard work as you can potentially earn an internship offer by impressing during the Programme. 

Since joining Philip Lee, I have rotated to a number of teams within the firm including the employment department, the planning and environment department, the banking and finance department, the property department, and now the media department. I have benefited greatly from the huge variety of work I have been given the opportunity to participate in. The welcoming approach across all teams and members of staff in the firm makes these rotations seamless. 

I have greatly enjoyed my experience as an intern/trainee in Philip Lee. The firm offers plenty of opportunities to get involved and to get to know your colleagues in a more relaxed setting. These activities outside the traditional working sphere, ranging from a variety of committees to frequent social outings and numerous sporting events throughout the year, gives you every chance to connect, not only with your fellow interns and trainees, but also with staff members from all over the firm. I am very grateful to be training with Philip Lee and would strongly encourage any motivated graduate with a desire to learn, while also enjoying their experience as an intern, to apply to the Philip Lee Summer Programme.

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