Trainees

Each year we recruit only a small number of trainees - 15 per year for 2011 and 2012. This enables us to give every trainee our full attention, and means that your individual contribution makes a big difference. Although most of you will have done the Legal Practice Course, we also consider applicants who have completed the Bar Vocational Course.

Who?

We encourage students of all disciplines to apply to join us. Recent trainees have studied subjects as diverse as music and engineering or, following graduation, have worked in areas as varied as the Lloyd’s market, the shipping industry and banking. We look for 2 As and 1 B at A level and at least a 2.1 degree. As many of you will apply before you know your final degree, your first and second year results should demonstrate that you are on course for a good upper second.

Languages are a definite advantage, as we are an international firm with multilingual clients. We also look closely at your ability to understand complex financial or technical issues. We expect you to have a life outside work, both before and after you join us. Your CV should illustrate your achievements in non-academic areas.

Development and training

Each trainee who joins us is guaranteed an outstanding training contract. You will do interesting, stretching work, very often with an international element. During your training you will have four six-month seats, sitting with a partner or a senior assistant. You may have the opportunity to work in one of our overseas offices, or to be seconded to a client.

Wherever you work, you will have early responsibility under the supervision of an experienced lawyer. We ensure that you keep your IT and research skills up to date, and you will receive training in presentation skills. You will participate in our regular seminar programme for clients. You will have clear, regular partner guidance and feedback, as well as assessment meetings with a partner every three months to discuss your progress.

We aim to ensure that your training is both successful and enjoyable, laying the foundations for future partnership within the firm. Your training will start with an induction week to help you to fit in quickly. You will then follow a structured in-house training programme, including regular workshops, to develop your knowledge of new areas of law, and to help you develop into a competent, confident solicitor by the end of your training contract.

Salary and benefits

Our salaries are highly competitive. Trainees receive an annual salary of £36,000, increasing to £38,000 after the first year of the training contract. On top of that we offer additional benefits, which include:

  • study assistance and grants
  • 25 days’ holiday
  • generous contributory pension
  • subsidised gym membership
  • season ticket loan
  • life assurance
  • medical insurance
  • Sports and entertainment

We encourage our trainees to get involved in out of office activities which include:

  • sports teams (football, netball, softball, rugby, golf, cricket and sailing)
  • quiz nights
  • dragon boat race
  • staff parties

Study assistance and grants

We pay all examination and course fees for the Legal Practice Course together with a maintenance grant. If you need to take the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PgDL) and have not completed it when we make you an offer, we will pay the course and examination fees, and provide a grant for this as well.

How to apply for a Training Contract

2013 - We are no longer accepting applications for Training Contracts to start in September 2013.

2014 - If you are interested in applying for a Training Contract to start in September 2014, please click here. Applications can be made between 1 January 2012 and 31 July 2012. We do not accept paper applications.

Procedure

All applications are acknowledged. There is an assessment day selection procedure. The first assessment day is with a member of the Graduate Recruitment team and an experienced Associate, and includes a short written exercise, a teamwork exercise and interview. If  you are successful on the assessment day, you will be invited back for a second interview with two of the firm’s partners.

For more information on being a trainee at the firm please read our Graduate Recruitment brochure.

Vacation Schemes

We run two summer vacation schemes every year. The dates for 2012 are as follows:

    • Scheme 1: Monday 18 June to Friday 29 June
    • Scheme 2: Monday 9 July to Friday 20 July

Each two-week scheme takes ten students (20 in total). Over the duration of the scheme you will be exposed to real trainee work, you will attend court, client meetings, participate in interactive assessments. You will be given a training contract interview at your request.

Applications can be made between 1 January 2012 and 14 February 2012. To apply, please click here.

More information on summer vacation schemes can be found in our  Graduate Recruitment brochure. Or you can call the Graduate Recruitment Department on +44 (0)20 7264 8293.