Training Contract 2028

Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely together with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results.

Specialising in technology, media and communications; life sciences and healthcare; real estate, infrastructure and energy; and Private Wealth, we act for the world's biggest brands, most innovative start-ups and unicorns, and wealthiest families. 

We have more than 1,250 lawyers in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, who advise clients on their corporate, IP, disputes, and other matters. Working at the forefront of new areas of law, we help our clients by introducing them to new people, new markets, and fresh perspectives to help them flourish. 

Collaboration is key to our success. We believe different backgrounds bring different interests and skill sets, enhancing and diversifying the service we provide to our clients. Many of our lawyers joined the profession from different backgrounds and we welcome applications from both law and non-law students.

Training contract

Within a small intake of around 20 graduates, you'll find the support you need to flourish throughout your training contract while benefiting from the experience you need to become a brilliant lawyer. 

Across our two-year training contract, you’ll move through four six-month seats in different practice areas. All trainees complete a seat in either Corporate or Finance, and at least one seat must involve contentious work. On the remaining two seats you’ll be able to follow your own interests. We offer client secondment opportunities, which provide a real and meaningful insight into the sectors in which we operate. We also offer short relationship-building international secondment opportunities to our international offices. 

We offer training contracts each year in London and Cambridge. Wherever you are based, you will benefit from comprehensive training designed for your professional development.

Who should apply

We recruit only through our vacation scheme for our training contract.

To apply for our Vacation Scheme, you'll need to be in the second year of your degree and beyond.

Academically, we do look for AAB at A Level and a 2:1 in any degree disciple. If you do not meet the AAB requirement but are able to demonstrate strong academic performance elsewhere and have the motivation, skill set and attitude to succeed, please contact a member of our team to discuss your application. 

We want to recruit top talent for our relatively small intake. We recognise that academic achievement is not the only measure of success and value diversity of experience. We do not automatically reject applications based on academics and screen the whole application form before making a decision. We use Rare Recruitment Contextual Recruitment System to consider everyone's achievements in context. 

Therefore, your performance will be reviewed across all sections of the application form before a decision is made, for example; interests and achievements, work experience, overall communication and answers to commercial and career-focused questions.

SQE

Before starting your training contract you will undertake SQE1 & SQE2 examinations. We have partnered with University of Law for this course, which will enable you to gain a breadth of knowledge before commencing these examinations. Additionally, you will also undertake an SQE Plus course to provide you with further legal knowledge ahead of joining the firm, which includes a master's.

Ahead of commencing the course, you will meet with the Early Talent and Talent Development teams to learn more about the course and our expectations and be provided with support throughout the year long course.

By completing the course and examinations ahead of your start date, you will be able to hit the ground running and gain your two years qualifying work experience through our training contract.

When and how to apply

Applications for our Spring Vacation Scheme open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 October 2025. Applications for our Summer Vacation Scheme open on 1 September 2025 and close on 28 November 2025. Completing a Vacation Scheme with us is the only way to be considered for a training contract in 2028. 

Apply online

Diversity & Inclusion

We’re committed to delivering an inclusive culture and progressive environment where we empower all of our people to lead, learn, and grow. We recognise that the legal sector has much to do to improve diversity and that we are responsible for making progress for our people, aspiring legal professionals, and the wider legal community. 

Nurturing a diverse, inclusive culture allows all of our talent to flourish. It sparks creativity amongst our people. It powers innovation for our clients.

Our Inclusion networks drive inclusivity, peer support, active allyship, and collaboration across the firm. They connect individuals with shared identities and values who are passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and belonging for all colleagues. We each have a responsibility to shape our culture, and our trainees are involved in the committees of all our Inclusion networks.