Training Contract 2026

Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely together with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results.

Specialising in technology, media and communications; life sciences and healthcare; real estate, infrastructure and energy; and Private Wealth, we act for the world's biggest brands, most innovative start-ups and unicorns, and wealthiest families. 

We have more than 1,200 lawyers in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, who advise clients on their corporate, IP, disputes, and other matters. Working at the forefront of new areas of law, we help our clients by introducing them to new people, new markets, and fresh perspectives to help them flourish. 

Collaboration is key to our success. We believe different backgrounds bring different interests and skill sets, enhancing and diversifying the service we provide to our clients. Many of our lawyers joined the profession from different backgrounds and we welcome applications from both law and non-law students.

Training contract

Within a small intake of around 22 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 groups. All trainees take on 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. Regardless of where you're based, we'll provide you with all the training and experience to help you succeed. 

Who should apply

We recruit only through our vacation scheme for our training contract.

To be able to apply for our Vacation Scheme, you'll need to be in the second year of your degree and beyond.

Regarding academic ability, we do look for AAB at A Level and a 2:1 in any degree disciple. If you do not meet the AAB requirement but are able to demonstrate strong academic performance elsewhere and have the motivation, skill set and attitude to succeed, please reach out to one of the team to discuss your application.

We want to recruit top talent for our relatively small intake, and we know that academics aren’t the only measure of success and appreciate diversity of experience. We do not automatically reject applications based on academics and screen the whole application form before making a decision. We use Rare Recruitment Contextual Recruitment System to consider everyone's achievements in context. 

Therefore, we will review your performance across all areas of the form before making a decision, for example; interests and achievements, work experience, overall communication and answers to commercial and career-focused questions.

SQE

Before commencing the training contract, students undertake the SQE 1 and SQE 2 examination. 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 Development team 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.

When and how to apply

All candidates need to apply via our online application form. We recruit only through our vacation scheme for our training contract. 

The deadline for vacation scheme applications are:

Spring vacation scheme deadline: 1 November 2024

Summer vacation scheme deadline: 1 December 2024

Diversity & Inclusion

We build inclusive and progressive workplaces and aim to have a positive impact in the legal world and broader society. We look after the health and wellbeing of our people and celebrate diversity in all forms, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. 

Nurturing a diverse, inclusive culture allows all of our talent to flourish. It sparks creativity amongst our people. It powers innovation for our clients.

Our trainees have the opportunity to join our inclusion networks. We have networks covering gender balance, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, racial equality, social mobility, and physical and mental health and wellbeing.