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To qualify as a solicitor at Bird & Bird, you can join as a solicitor apprentice or trainee solicitor. To become a solicitor apprentice, you can through our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme. To become a trainee solicitor, you can apply by attending a Vacation Scheme or applying directly for a training contract.

Training Contract

Training beyond your expectations.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires aspiring solicitors to have a degree qualification in any subject, pass two centralised assessments (the SQE1 and SQE2), undertake two years’ full-time Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and meet the character and suitability requirements to qualify.

At Bird & Bird, your QWE is your training contract. You will spend time in four different departments for 6-months each, known as ‘seats’, giving you a rich learning experience and development opportunities. We have eight departments to choose from: Commercial, Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Finance & Financial Regulation, Intellectual Property, Real Estate & Construction, and Tax. During each seat, you will be assigned to a dedicated supervisor who is an associate or partner. Within our departments, we have sector and sub-sector specialisms. You will get exposure to different areas of law whilst working alongside an array of lawyers and clients, as you find the area you want to pursue and qualify into. You may also experience an international or client secondment to further your experience. 

At the end of your two-year training contract, you will qualify as a solicitor and each year we hope to retain most of our trainees in newly qualified (NQ) roles across the firm.

Vacation Scheme

A vacation scheme with us is much more than just work experience. It is an opportunity to discover your potential and kick-start your career in law, taking you straight to the heart of our global firm.

Develop your knowledge of our firm through introductions to different areas of law and business services. Immerse yourself in a department and have an unfiltered look at the way people work in a law firm and the impact of client relationships, globally. Our vacation scheme is both an opportunity for you to showcase your potential as a trainee solicitor and decide whether Bird & Bird is the right firm for you.

Spring Vacation Scheme – Monday 8 April to Friday 19 April 2024

Summer Vacation Scheme – Monday 24 June to Friday 5 July 2024

Our direct route is an alternative to our vacation schemes. We recruit the majority of future trainees through our vacation schemes; however, we recruit from a range of diverse backgrounds and appreciate that it might not be possible to attend a vacation scheme. If you are unable to attend a vacation scheme, please apply directly for a training contract.

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