First year insight scheme - April 2025

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.

First year opportunities

In April 2025 we'll be hosting our two-day First Year Insight Scheme in London and Cambridge, where you'll get the chance to learn more about the firm, network and think commercially. The First Year Insight Scheme is a great step to ensure you're ready to apply for the 2026 Vacation Scheme.

The First Year Insight Scheme will take place on 22 and 23 April 2025.

To apply for our 2025 First Year Scheme, you'll need to be in the first year of your degree (studying any subject) and complete an application form to attend.

Applications open on 1 December 2024 and close on 1 February 2025.

Who should apply

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.

When and how to apply

All candidates need to apply via our online application form at https://www.taylorwessing.com/graduates. The deadline to apply is 1 February 2025.

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.