UK program

Trainee Solicitor Program

Across our UK offices, trainee solicitors are recruited through a summer vacation scheme. Successful candidates progress to our unique six-seat training contract.

Step into a career with a global law firm that's been shaping the legal landscape for over a century. We're not just about tradition, we're about transformation. Our commitment to excellence and innovation means we're trusted by clients around the world to deliver smart, practical legal solutions.

At our firm your individuality is your strength. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes. By brining your authentic self to work, you'll build meaningful relationships, understand our clients' unique challenges and deliver tailored advice that drives real commerical impact.

From the moment you join our Ingnite training programme. you'll be supported by a collaborative culture that values you individuality. You'll be challenged, encouraged and empowered to grow and make a real difference, both professionally and personally. With access to world-class training, real responsibility and a global network of colleagues. you'll build the skills and confidence to thrive.

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), workplace culture and development 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.

View our online graduate brochure

Application Process

Applications for our 2026 Summer Vacation Scheme are now open. You will be able to submit your written initial application until 5 January 2026, when applications will close at midnight.

You will need to complete the following:

Written application

Applications for our 2026 Summer Vacation Scheme are now open. You will be able to submit your written application until midnight on Monday 5 January 2026, 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 2028

  • Have completed, or be able to complete, your graduate diploma in law (GDL)/solicitors qualifying exam (SQE)/legal practice course (LPC) before September 2028

Digital assessment

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.

Assessment center

The next stage in the application process is an in-person assessment center, 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 center so that you can prepare accordingly.

Vacation scheme

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.