Vacation Scheme Open Day 2027

Debevoise’s London office is growing fast. Currently, the firm expects to hire 11 Trainees each year.

The period of recognised training comprises four six-month seats. Trainees may also have the opportunity to spend time in other international offices. Second year Trainees participate in LAUNCH in New York, a program focused on providing new lawyers with a legal training, business and financial literacy, mentorship, and cross-practice collaboration to equip them with the skills, judgment and relationships needed to thrive from early in their legal careers.  

Training contracts are designed around you. This is done by giving you freedom and responsibility from the beginning. The training programme is not rigidly structured, so trainees have the opportunity to take charge of their own learning.

The firm places an emphasis on providing trainees with a supportive environment, with trainee supervisors always available and willing to answer questions. Trainees are also involved in the seat rotation process, with preferred practice groups accommodated wherever possible.

Trainees are very much part of the team and make meaningful contributions from day one. As a trainee at Debevoise, you can expect to have extensive contact with partners, counsel and other lawyers within the firm.

You will share an office and be assigned a mentor in one of the firm’s practice groups: litigation, arbitration, corporate (which includes M&A, private equity, insurance, finance and funds) or tax. You will have the opportunity to work closely with several lawyers and also gain experience in other practice areas.

At the start of the two weeks you will be assigned a team project. You will also take part in a team mooting competition at the end of your two weeks. In addition, you will be invited to attend lawyer practice group meetings which are held throughout the week and often link in with other offices.

There will be several planned social events during your summer scheme as well as impromptu get-togethers with lawyers and trainees. During your time in the office, you are encouraged to speak to as many lawyers, trainees and staff as possible.

 

At the end of the scheme, you will have gained an insight into what life really is like as a Debevoise lawyer!

Benefits & Rewards

All Debevoise trainees and associates receive the same remuneration according to their class year. This helps foster a culture of teamwork and collegiality, in which lawyers work together as a team and prioritise client interests.

First-year trainees receive a salary of £60,000 per annum, rising to £65,000 in their second year.

We partner with The University of Law for the PGDL and SQE. Full tuition fees are paid for both PGDL and SQE, together with a maintenance grant of £20,000 per year.

Other benefits include:

- Private health care (medical, dental, and private GP)

- Life and Income Protection Insurance

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Group personal pension plan

- 25 days’ vacation

- Cycle to work scheme

- On-site subsidised café

- Interest free season ticket loan

- Discretionary qualification leave on completion of your training contract

- 1 week Professional Development Training Program “Launch” in New York in your second year as a Trainee