DLA Piper 2026 Furas Programme - June

The Furas Programme in Context: A Strategic Gateway to Global Law

The legal industry is undergoing a profound transformation, and nowhere is this more visible than in the United Arab Emirates. As Dubai consolidates its position as a global commercial hub, the demand for legal professionals who understand both international practice and local culture has never been greater. It is against this backdrop that DLA Piper, one of the world’s largest law firms, opens applications for its 2026 Furas Programme – June intake.

“Tomorrow’s legal industry can’t hire yesterday’s skills.” – DLA Piper

The word “Furas” translates to “opportunities” in Arabic, and the programme is precisely that: an opportunity for UAE nationals to step into the world of international law and business services without needing a prior legal degree. This is a deliberate, forward-looking strategy by DLA Piper to cultivate local talent and bring fresh perspectives into a firm that operates across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Two Pathways, One Destination: Legal and Business Services

The 2026 Furas Programme offers two distinct pathways, each designed to build a foundation for a global career. The first is the Furas Graduate – Legal pathway, where participants work inside one of DLA Piper’s practice groups, support client matters, and begin building a professional network across the UAE’s legal landscape. The second is the Furas Graduate – Business Services pathway, which places participants in collaborative functions such as HR, Marketing and Business Development, Legal Project Management, Finance, or Knowledge.

• Legal pathway: ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in legal work, even without a law degree, and develop practical legal skills.
• Business Services pathway: perfect for candidates with strengths in operations, strategy, communications, or finance who want to support a global law firm from a business angle.

Both pathways share the same six-month structure in DLA Piper’s Dubai office and are treated as equal routes to a career in a modern legal enterprise.

Your Passport to the Programme: Eligibility and Mindset

DLA Piper has deliberately widened the eligibility criteria to attract a diverse range of UAE Nationals. You must be a UAE National holding a Family Book, and either a recent graduate or a career changer. You do not need any specific legal experience or education; instead, the firm is looking for people with a dedicated interest in international law and business, a curiosity and entrepreneurial mindset, and a desire to do things differently. Fluency in English and Arabic is essential, as client matters are conducted in both languages.

“We’re looking for UAE Nationals who have the potential to thrive at our firm.”

The emphasis on growth mindset, social awareness, and ownership of tasks means that your personal attributes and motivation matter just as much as your academic background.

What You Will Actually Do During the Six-Month Placement

Participants in the June 2026 cohort will not be passive observers. From day one, you will work on projects across sectors that shape the UAE’s economy and global partnerships. You will collaborate within diverse, high-performing teams connected to DLA Piper’s international network, and you will develop technical, professional, and leadership capabilities through structured learning. Each participant receives guidance from a supervisor, a buddy, and mentors who actively support growth. You will also engage with innovation, sustainability, and community initiatives aligned with national priorities, and build a lifelong professional network within an Early Careers community.

The programme is designed to give you freedom to discover your own path and make an impact beyond the borders of traditional law. It is a full-time placement, and the experience is structured to mirror the demands of a modern legal practice, preparing you for the next step in your career.

Why This Programme Can Transform Your Career Trajectory

For UAE Nationals at the beginning of their professional journey, the Furas Programme offers a unique combination of global prestige, local relevance, and practical experience. DLA Piper is a top-tier international firm, and having its name on your CV immediately signals to future employers that you have been trained to the highest standards. More importantly, the programme is a gateway to an international training programme. Participants who perform well may be offered a position on DLA Piper’s international training programme, which could lead to a permanent career path within the firm.

Beyond the immediate benefits, the programme helps you build a network of colleagues and mentors across the firm’s global offices. This network is invaluable, whether you choose to remain in the UAE or practise elsewhere in the world. The structured learning and mentorship also develop the future-ready skills that are increasingly demanded by employers worldwide.

How to Win a Place on the Furas Programme

Given that the programme attracts top talent from across the UAE, preparation is key. Here are some strategies to strengthen your application:

• Reflect on your motivations: Be ready to explain why you are interested in international law and business, and why DLA Piper specifically.
• Showcase your bilingual strengths: Demonstrate your proficiency in both English and Arabic, as this is a core requirement.
• Highlight transferable skills: Emphasise examples of curiosity, initiative, collaboration, and resilience from your studies, work, or volunteer experience.

Because the programme does not require a legal degree, your personality, drive, and alignment with DLA Piper’s values will be decisive. Practise telling a compelling story about your journey and your aspirations. The current application is hosted on LinkedIn, but always confirm the official DLA Piper careers portal for the most direct application link and any additional instructions.

The Bigger Picture: Emiratisation and the Future of Legal Talent

The Furas Programme sits at the intersection of two powerful trends: the global evolution of legal services and the UAE’s commitment to developing its national workforce. As the UAE continues to implement Emiratisation policies across key sectors, programmes like this one give local talent a meaningful entry point into multinational firms. By investing in national talent, DLA Piper is not only ensuring the sustainability of its own practice, but also contributing to the growth of a knowledge-based economy.

For candidates who join the June 2026 cohort, this means being part of a movement that is reshaping the legal profession. The skills you develop and the relationships you build will position you to lead in, and beyond, the UAE.

Common Queries About the Furas Programme

Do I need a law degree to apply?

No. The programme is open to all UAE Nationals, regardless of academic background, provided you have a recent graduate or career changer status and strong English and Arabic proficiency.

Is the programme open to non-UAE nationals?

No. Eligibility explicitly requires UAE National status and possession of a Family Book.

What is the duration and format of the programme?

The initial placement lasts six months and is full-time in DLA Piper’s Dubai office. There are two pathways: Legal and Business Services.

Does the programme guarantee a permanent job?

It does not guarantee a job, but high-performing participants may be offered a position on DLA Piper’s international training programme, which can lead to a permanent role.