Vacation Scheme 2026

One Firm Worldwide

As a truly global law firm, Jones Day lawyers enjoy an exciting career, alongside more than 2,400 lawyers in over 40 offices. New lawyers have the opportunity to be involved in demanding and complex matters, advising multinational clients encountering globalized challenges.

Non-rotational Training Contract

Our distinctive training contract structure is integral to our culture and success and the benefits are felt at every level. In the absence of a rigid seat-system, trainees have the flexibility to mould their career from the earliest opportunity and enjoy a high level of responsibility. Our trainees are quickly integrated into various teams across the Firm and gain unparalleled exposure to different areas of law. Trainees are never held back by set ‘trainee’ tasks or have to drop an interesting case or deal to move on to another department. 

Vacation Schemes

A two-week vacation scheme is the ideal opportunity to discover whether our distinctive way of training suits you. During a scheme you will work on real, client matters, join group exercises and interactive workshops. 

Virtual Work Experience

We have teamed up with Forage to create a free, open access programme that will allow you to step into the shoes of a Jones Day, London trainee and try your hand at realistic work, all through the lens of our non-rotational training contract.

START DATE DETAILS

You can apply for a Vacation Scheme in 2025/2026 which is also an application for a Training Contract to commence in September 2028. 

We recruit 15 trainees per year, who are selected from the pool of Vacation Scheme candidates.

You can submit one application with the option to submit a first and second scheme preference. If your first scheme choice fills, you will be automatically considered for your second choice. Please note that each scheme has an application deadline.

WINTER SCHEME (1 - 12 December 2025)

Applications open: 1 September 2025

Application deadline: 17 October 2025

SPRING SCHEME (16 March - 27 March 2026)

Applications open: 1 September 2025

Application deadline: 28 November 2025

SUMMER SCHEME (29 June - 10 July 2026)

Applications open: 1 September 202

Application deadline: 9 January 2026

HOW TO APPLY

We strongly recommend attending one of our events to find out more before submitting any application. We also recommend applying early as we recruit on a rolling basis.

Event details are available on our website  

Applications open online from 1 September 2025. Please submit a candidate statement and CV here 

The stages of our recruitment process are outlined below:

Application screened by the graduate recruitment team (we may also request an academic reference). Our application form includes a 300-word candidate statement.

Online interview with two senior lawyers.

In-person Assessment Centre at our London office.

Vacation Scheme (throughout which candidates will be assessed for Training Contract positions).

All schemes are open to final year students, graduates and postgraduates of any degree discipline and penultimate year students of a qualifying law degree.