Careers with Winston Taylor

While there are specific qualifications required for our various programs, we recognize that exceptional candidates come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. Most of all, we’re looking for people who are eager to learn, willing to contribute, and excited to grow their careers in an environment that is ambitious, supportive, and team-oriented. That's what we're looking for—we'll give you everything else you need to succeed.

We recruit up to 20 trainees a year through our Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes, across our London and Cambridge offices. Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Program offers two school leavers with an interest in law an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor within our London and Liverpool offices.

Requirements—minimum AAB at A-level. On track for a 2:1, open to all degree backgrounds. You work well with others, communicate with confidence, and have the drive to step up early. You'll be curious, learn fast, and be ready to make a difference working shoulder to shoulder with colleagues and clients. You're committed to a career in law and ready to explore new boundaries.

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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.

Completing a Vacation Scheme with us is the only way to be considered for a training contract. Applications will open for our 2027 Summer Vacation Schemes in September 2026.

Vacation Scheme

Our Vacation Scheme lets you experience what it's like to be a trainee solicitor in a fast-paced law firm.

From your first day, you’ll benefit from comprehensive training, with an induction program that introduces you to our partners, our employees, and our business strategy. You’ll also be given a buddy among the current trainees who can answer your questions having been in your shoes.

We recruit for our Vacation Scheme in London and Cambridge.

Regardless of the scheme you apply for, you’ll spend two weeks immersed in two different practice areas, gaining first-hand experience under the supervision of our approachable associates and partners. You'll also be involved in socials, networking opportunities, pro bono work, and more, so you'll end the scheme with invaluable experience and a clear sense of career direction.

To be eligible, you'll need to be in the second year of your degree or beyond. We also welcome applications from those who have graduated, as well as career changers.

Completing a Vacation Scheme with us is the only way to be considered for a training contract. Our Spring Vacation Scheme is two weeks in April. Our Summer Vacation Scheme is held across London and Cambridge for two weeks in June.

Applications will open for our 2027 Summer Vacation Schemes in September 2026.

SQE

Before starting your training contract, you will undertake SQE 1 & SQE 2 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.

Sponsorship

We will pay your tuition fees for both the PGDL and SQE, to be studied at the University of Law London, our chosen law school provider. During your studies, you will also receive a maintenance grant from us.

Before commencing your training contract with the firm, you must complete the SQE 1 and SQE 2 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.

First year opportunities

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

To apply for our 2027 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.

Applications will open in March 2027.

Winston Taylor Taster Week – Open days

As part of our Taster Week, taking place in October each year, we invite you to a series of Open Days designed to provide you with valuable insights into our firm. During these events, you will have the opportunity to connect with our senior lawyers and trainee solicitors, who will share their experiences and knowledge. You'll need to complete our short application form to secure your place.

Applications open 1 September 2026.

Winston Taylor Webinar Week

Throughout Webinar Week, we'll host a series of online events covering the various sectors we focus on and provide guidance from our Early Talent Team.

During our Sector Spotlight Series, you’ll hear from our senior lawyers about the pivotal role of each of our sectors. You’ll also have opportunities to engage with the Early Talent Team and our lawyers through online sessions designed to offer insight into life at Winston Taylor and the application process.

Applications open 1 September 2026.

Limitless programme – for Year 12 students

Limitless is our new program designed to introduce Year 12 students to the world of law.

Featuring monthly upskilling workshops, networking opportunities, and a two-day work shadowing opportunity, Limitless will let you experience what it's like to work in a law firm. We'll introduce you to the skills you'll need for a career in law and help you kickstart your career as a solicitor.

Applications to Limitless are open to individuals who are in Year 12, have a minimum of seven GCSEs grade 7 or above, and are of Black heritage and/or are from a low socioeconomic background. You'll also need to be free to attend all the monthly sessions and the two in-person work shadowing days in October.

Solicitor apprenticeship

We don’t believe there's a set path in law—university isn't for everyone, and we appreciate that. Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Program offers school leavers with an interest in law an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor.

As a solicitor apprentice, you’ll join our inclusive culture that allows you to be yourself, with support to help you become who you want to be. We want to support talent from the outset, so we’ll also offer you support as you transition from school to joining the firm.

Our six-year program has been designed to help you hit the ground running from day one. You'll work towards an LLB (Hons) law degree and a Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Each week, you'll spend four days working in a practice area on client cases, with one day studying with our training provider, University of Law (ULaw). We'll pay for your apprenticeship tuition fee and during your apprenticeship you'll be eligible for our benefits.