Careers with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Explore Skadden's training contract and vacation scheme, and learn more about what's involved before you make an application.

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Training Contracts

Training contracts at are offered to participants of our vacation scheme program.

Seat Structure

The training contract is divided into four six-month seats, in which trainees gain experience in corporate transactions, litigation/international arbitration and other practice areas. The second year provides the opportunity to gain exposure to other offices by undertaking an international secondment in our Brussels, Hong Kong or New York office.

Trainee Development

We pride ourselves on our broad and comprehensive training programme. You will have a regular training schedule. Drawing upon the experience and teaching abilities of our partners, associates and qualified external consultants, we also offer weekly training seminars, workshops and updates for associates at all levels and across our practice areas. In addition, training is offered in-house, as well as by external speakers who introduce online research tools and other professional services. Trainees also are invited to attend practice area discussions about current practice-specific developments, such as new legislation and court decisions.

Shortly after qualifying, associates attend Skadden’s firm-wide retreat in New York to participate in an intensive one week program (with associates in the U.S. and German offices) that provides business and legal skills training.

Support

Throughout your training contract, a qualified solicitor will mentor you and provide advice and guidance whenever required. You will receive regular performance reviews and appraisals from the training principal and your supervisor, who will take a proactive role in shaping your development and progression.

Vacation Schemes

Skadden’s training contracts are offered to students who participate in our vacation placement programme, which provides participants with first hand experience working on actual global transactions. The programme also provides insight into the firm’s culture and atmosphere.

Each student is paired with an associate supervisor and trainee liaison who identify substantive and suitable assignments. Our vacation placement students are offered the option to practise either in a single area or to divide their time between two practice areas, thereby gaining greater exposure to our work. Students participate in training workshops focused on current matters, which aid their professional development and provide invaluable perspective from Skadden lawyers. Social events allow vacation students to interact with each other and Skadden lawyers on a more informal level.

Our two-week placements are offered in the spring and summer. We remunerate vacation placement students £500 per week to assist with expenses. Undergraduate candidates need to have reached the penultimate year of their law degree studies or the final year for a non-law degree.