UK Trainees & Apprentices
We place a strong emphasis on supporting our early career professionals into their life-long careers. Our emerging talent population is valued and developed throughout their career journey and provided with extensive opportunities and training to support their professional development.
Here you will find further information about our trainee solicitor and solicitor apprentice opportunities, including insights into the programs available and the application process to join us.
Meet Steve, Head of Investment Funds (EMEA) and Emerging Talent Training Principal
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Our Opportunities
We are looking for people who mirror our values, with the curiosity, agility and teamwork needed to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape. If you are interested in first-rate client work in an inclusive environment and a strong emphasis on your wellbeing, we could be the firm for you.
Trainee Solicitor Program
Across our UK offices, we recruit for trainee solicitors via our training contracts and Summer Vacation Scheme.
Summer Vacation Scheme
We recruit all future trainees through our Summer Vacation Scheme, which is held in June for one week. Within this week, you will get to know the firm and experience what life is really like as a trainee at the firm, with real work given to you by your daily supervisor or trainee buddy. You will get to know our strategy and initiatives, as well as meet those working on our environmental, social and governance (ESG), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and pro bono programs. We also have active charity and social committees, with our head trainees regularly organizing events within these, which you may be able to attend during the scheme.
Training Contracts
Our client base spans every type of business, both private and public, worldwide. We advise a diverse mix of clients, from Fortune 100 and FTSE 100 corporations to emerging companies, and from individuals to local and national governments.
Our unique six-seat training contract provides a depth of experience and exposure to various legal practice areas. Dual-tier supervision will ensure you are supported throughout your training by a daily and partner supervisor, with regular contact from our dedicated emerging talent graduate partners, who look to ensure you are making the most out of your seats.
We provide a range of learning opportunities that will enable you to develop and progress your career with the firm. Opportunities include national and international secondments, alongside bespoke learning and development programs.
Application Process
Applications for our 2025 Summer Vacation Scheme will open in September 2024. We will announce the opening of this on our website and social media.
You will need to complete the following:
The applications for the Summer Vacation Scheme open in September 2024. You will be able to submit your written initial application until early January 2025, when applications will close.
We do not recruit on a rolling basis. To be eligible to apply, you will need the following:
- To be predicted to obtain, or have obtained, a 2:1 undergraduate university degree in any discipline
- Be at least in the second year of a law degree, or the final year of a non-law degree, or have graduated from university
- Be available to start the training contract position in September 2027
- Have completed, or be able to complete, your graduate diploma in law (GDL)/solicitors qualifying exam (SQE)/legal practice course (LPC) before September 2027
The next stage of the application process is the digital assessment. You will be given time to prepare your answer to the questions on screen, and you are given a one-week deadline to complete this assessment, which you are required to complete over one sitting.
The next stage in the application process is an in-person assessment centre, which will take place at one of our offices. This consists of three activities – an interview, a group exercise and a presentation. You will be given the presentation topic one week in advance of your assessment centre so that you can prepare accordingly.
The final stage of the application process is the vacation scheme, where you will be assessed on your performance within your practice group and within the interview and presentation that is undertaken at the end of the scheme. As before, the presentation topic is provided one week prior to the scheme.
Paralegal Apprenticeship Program
Our Paralegal Apprenticeship Program gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and a qualification, while getting paid, at one of the world’s strongest international law firms.
Across our UK offices, we recruit for solicitor apprentices via our Paralegal Apprenticeship Program.
Paralegal Apprenticeships
As a paralegal apprentice, you will reside in one practice group for the duration of your apprenticeship, where you will be supporting our paralegals and solicitors in delivering an excellent service to our clients. You will be encouraged to develop your legal skills and explore as many opportunities as possible for further development, including attending client business development events or mock pitch competitions, as well as supporting with organizing charity, DEI and social events.
You will complete your learning with BPP University, whose program combines the technical knowledge of a lawyer with a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Over the two-year duration, you will be given one set working day to prepare for and complete assignments, as well as attend webinars and workshops. To prepare for exams and assessments, you will be given exam leave, as well as six paid working days to use for additional study leave should this be required.
Upon completion of your paralegal apprenticeship, we will explore with you the possibility of progressing onto the solicitor apprenticeship to allow you to complete the remaining four years of apprenticeship learning required to qualify as a solicitor.
Find out more about the learning program at BPP University.
Application Process
Applications for our Paralegal Apprenticeship Program are not currently open.
We will announce the opening of these on our website and social media for our future positions.
Open Days
Our open days give you the opportunity to get to know our firm and our operations with hands-on experience and exposure to various members of the firm. You will meet with key people in our practice areas and learn about the application process. It is a great way to get a real flavor of who we are and what we do.
The day will provide learning opportunities to better understand our practice areas, our training contract and our strategy. You will network with individuals in a variety of roles in the business, who are all keen to get to know you and your interests.
Keep an eye out on our social media channels for details of our next open days.