Training Contract 2025

Qualify as a solicitor with two-years of exceptional training to kick-start your career in law.

To become a trainee solicitor at Bird & Bird, you can apply through two different routes: by attending a vacation scheme or applying directly for a training contract. Take the route that's right for you.

A training contract, also known as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), is a two-year training programme commenced after university and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) to develop practical skills and legal knowledge. You'll experience four 'seats' in different practice areas for six-months each. You'll be supervised by experts in their field and work for stimulating clients across a range of sectors. After the end of the training contract, you'll be a qualified solicitor.

Applying to us

You should have, or expect to have, AAB at A-Level and 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). We understand that you may not have received the grade you hoped for due to extenuating or mitigating circumstances. Please detail any relevant information in your application for us to take into consideration. We also use a Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) to enable us to recruit people from different backgrounds and help us understand your achievements in the context in which they were gained.

You should be able to start a training contract in September 2025. At the time of submitting your application, you must:

• have graduated with a law degree or graduated with a non-law degree and have completed the PgDL.

• and have completed, or be studying towards, SQE1 and SQE2 (and will have received your SQE2 results before September 2025).

Please note that if your application progresses and you're invited to an assessment centre, this will take place in-person at our London office in late November 2024. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Stage 1 - Online application form

Stage 2 - Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking test

Stage 3 - Telephone video interview

Stage 4 – In-person assessment centre

Go to our employability hub, The Nest, to develop your legal skills and commercial awareness, learn about the recruitment process and what we look for in successful candidates, and general advice on navigating your career in law.