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Watson Farley & Williams Graduate Careers

Welcome to the law firm hub for Watson Farley & Williams. Familiarise yourself with the firm, its practice areas, application process and culture, before exploring the opportunities it has for aspiring solicitors. 

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The AllAboutLaw perspective on Watson Farley & Williams

If you are interested in diverse, multinational work, Watson Farley & Williams is the firm for you. With offices from Hamburg to Hanoi and a guaranteed international secondment, trainees get the chance to learn about different legal jurisdictions and cultural practices. Although the work can be complex, this allows you to gain a broader understanding of the legal world. 

Past trainees have labelled the firm as “the ideal firm for anyone wanting to be involved in international work” and have gotten “involved in some really fascinating disputes on behalf of a huge range of clients” as a result. The firm makes going on secondment incredibly easy, organising the majority of the practicalities and even arranging language lessons.

The firm mostly focuses on transport and energy, with many of the firm’s partners leaders in their field. Watson Farley & Williams have completed some of the largest and most complex energy projects and have even worked with London Array, one of the largest offshore wind farms. Aside from this, the firm also works in practice areas like construction and finance. 

Outside of legal work, trainees can get involved in various activities. The firm does a lot of volunteering and pro bono work and also offers talks about subjects such as mental health and racism. 

What the firm says

With over 500 lawyers in 13 different countries, Watson Farley & Williams is the ideal place for anyone interested in working with people all over the world. Past trainees have praised the “camaraderie between our offices, consistent level of complex and challenging work and comprehensive training programmes.” The firm works in the following sectors: energy, transport and associated infrastructure, and has worked with natural resources in over 100 countries. This varied level of work ensures no two days are the same, and allows trainees to gain a wide variety of legal knowledge. Trainees also receive training on a wide variety of practical skills such as IT work and drafting legal documents. Outside of legal work, trainees get involved in blood and clothing drives, as well as providing pro bono work for issues like human rights and freedom of the press. 

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Data

• 1st Year Trainee Salary£48,500
• 2nd Year Trainee Salary£52,000
• PGDL Course Fees paidYes
• PGDL maintenance grantUp to £10,000
• SQE maintenance grantUp to £12,500
• SQE Course Fees paidYes
• Retention Rate79%
• UK Offices1 (London)
• NQ Salary£95,000

Academic requirements

• A-Levels ABB
• Degree 2:1

Although there is no typical WFW trainee, there are certain qualifications, skills and traits that we look for. You will need a 2.1 or above – predicted if you haven't yet graduated – or equivalent. We also ask for at least ABB from A level results, 34 points from IB or their equivalent if you have taken other qualifications. As well as academic achievement, we particularly value applicants with clear initiative, drive and self-awareness. These are all qualities you will have the chance to demonstrate at one of our assessment centres, as part of the application process.

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Diversity interests

As an international firm with a worldwide client base, Watson Farley & Williams believe that diversity is vital to the firm. 40% of the firm’s new equity partners are women, and the firm has even won the Gold Standard Certification by the Women in Law Empowerment Forum in recognition of their efforts to improve gender balance.

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