The firm is reviewing 15 to 20 fee-earning roles related to real estate and finance across a number of practice groups in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow.
The redundancy consultation will also put up to 20 support staff positions on the line. It is understood that no partners will be affected by the review.
DLA Piper has consistently denied that it was looking to cut its staff levels despite widespread rumours about job losses at the firm.
Joint CEO Nigel Knowles (pictured) said: "Along with every other law firm and professional services provider we're affected by the current economic conditions.
"There's been a reduction in the demand for services in the UK real estate and finance related groups, and as a result we're in consultation with some of our people within those teams about possible redundancies in six of our locations."
In August, DLA Piper made five lawyers redundant in the London technology, media and commercial group, including an associate, a legal director and three assistants. The firm blamed uncertain market conditions for the cuts.
The firm has also announced that it is to retrain 20 lawyers to join the restructuring practice, following a surge in demand for insolvency advice.
Top Law firm?
From: Anonymous
@Peanuts: a top law firm? DLA???
Mustard
From: Outraged
Peanuts your comments are outrageous. You don't know what you're talking about. I'd like to see you made redundant and try and find a new job in the current climate. I think you'll find that supposedly top brand doesn't cut as much mustard as you believe.
Peanuts
From: Anonymous
40 jobs? This is peanuts at a firm the size of DLA. At least with experience at a top firm there they'll have some chance of finding a job elsewhere, which is more than can be said for those losing their jobs from some of from these third division outfits