First year insight scheme – May 2026

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.

First year insight scheme – May 2026

In May, we host our First Year Insight Day in London, where you'll get the chance to learn more about the firm, network, and think commercially. The First Year Insight Day is a great step to ensure you're ready to apply for the 2026 Vacation Schemes.

Who should apply

To apply for our 2026 First Year Insight Day, you'll need to be in the first year of your degree (studying any subject) and complete an application form to attend.

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.

When and how to apply

Applications open on 2 March 2026 and close on 27 March 2026. 

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.