Training contract 2029

Delivering the services our clients need most is what drives us, and our energy and determination to provide the best possible legal advice means that we’re a forward-thinking practice open to innovative ideas and new ways of working.

How do we make this happen? Our lawyers and professionals share ambitions, common values and a flexible working style that combines with strong personal connections to deliver outstanding levels of client service across every office, every day.

Collaborating is second nature to us – and by working together we explore new ways to better serve our clients, whether that’s using technology to drive practice innovations, or investing in our people to make sure we can continue to deliver the high quality, cost-effective, and personal service that our clients rely on us for.

We always put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and ask the right questions so that we can really understand and anticipate their needs. That’s why we look for trainees who take the time to listen and who want to work for a firm where integrity and reliability matter every bit as much as insight and legal expertise.

We focus on eleven key sectors (Charities, Education & Not-for-Profit, Energy, Financial Institutions, Healthcare, Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, Manufacturing, Private Wealth, Real Estate, Retail, Hospitality & Leisure, Transport, Logistics & Infrastructure).

Our clients include Grainger, Bellway, New Look, Atom Bank, Majestic Wines, and H&M.

Responsible business is an integral part of who we are as a firm and we focus on six key areas: environment, community engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), wellbeing, social mobility and governance.

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Technology, innovation and the future of law

The legal profession is changing, and we want our trainees to understand and contribute to that change.

At WBD, innovation isn't a future ambition – it's part of how we work today. For trainees, this means developing the mindset and skills needed to succeed in a profession where legal expertise increasingly sits alongside problem-solving, process improvement, data literacy and technology-enabled delivery.

Whether your background is in law, technology, science, engineering or another discipline entirely, there are opportunities to apply your strengths and perspectives in meaningful ways.

Qualification routes

In our English offices, trainees qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, or through the LPC route if this has already been completed.

In Edinburgh, our traineeship follows the Law Society of Scotland route to qualification. You'll gain experience in sectors and practice areas relevant to the Scottish market while also contributing to our wider UK and international practice.

Our Scottish trainees benefit from close supervision, early responsibility and client contact from the outset. We also encourage participation in firm-wide initiatives and cross-office collaboration, helping you build networks across the business and develop a broader understanding of how we work across jurisdictions.

There isn't one type of WBD lawyer

Our trainees come from a wide range of backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines. Some have followed a traditional legal pathway; others have built experience in different industries and studied non-law subjects.

What matters is your ability to think critically, solve problems, build relationships and approach new challenges with curiosity and enthusiasm.

We believe diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our teams, improve how we service clients and create a better place to work.

Is WBD right for you?

We know that choosing where to start your legal career is a big decision. Our training contract offers early responsibility, direct exposure to clients and the opportunity to develop in a firm that's actively adapting to the future of the profession. The work can be challenging, and we'll encourage you to push beyond your comfort zone.

In return, you'll receive support from experienced supervisors who are invested in your development, regular feedback and access to high-quality work that helps you grow in confidence and capability.

Have a question about our training contract route to qualification?

Take a look here: WBD’s Training Contract – FAQ’s

Graduate Training Programme

We offer training contracts across our UK offices in Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Newcastle, and Southampton. We also have a small office in Teesside, which is helping drive growth in our practice in manufacturing, renewable energy, digital transport and local government.

As a trainee at Womble Bond Dickinson, you'll be joining a profession that is evolving rapidly. Today's lawyers need more than technical legal knowledge; they need commercial awareness, curiosity, adaptability and the confidence to work alongside new technologies that are changing how legal services are delivered.

From day one, you'll be encouraged to develop these skills through real client work, exposure to complex legal challenges and opportunities to work alongside colleagues who are helping share the future of the profession.

What you'll experience

During your two-year training contract, you'll complete a series of seats across our practice areas. Seat availability varies depending on business need and office location, but we'll ensure you build a broad and rewarding experience that supports your development and career.

You'll have the opportunity to:

- Take ownership of meaningful work from an early stage of your career

- Work directly with clients and build commercial awareness

- Develop relationships with colleagues across different teams and offices

- Gain exposure to the sectors shaping the modern economy

- Experience how technology, innovation and evolving client expectations are influencing legal work

- Potentially undertake a client secondment, depending on business need

Our trainees are trusted to contribute, not simply observe. While you'll always have support around you, you'll also be given the responsibility and exposure needed to accelerate your development.