Willkie Farr & Gallagher Frequently Asked Questions

Find out the answers to the most commonly asked questions about Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

Do you offer work experience for sixth form students?

Every year, a few students from Year 12 or 13 will spend a few weeks doing a placement at the firm. They will have the chance to sit with a partner or associate and learn about life in a busy law firm. Applications close in January close year.

Do you have any degree requirements?

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP accept degrees from any university with any subject, providing the applicant received a 2:1 or above. You can include mitigating circumstances with your application.

How will the SQE affect potential applicants?

For those who have accepted a training contract, Willkie offer full sponsorship of the GDL and SQE (as appropriate) which covers course fees in full and a £17,500 maintenance grant, pro-rated.

The firm will ask future trainees onwards to complete the SQE (if they have not already completed the LPC). We are partnering with The University of Law to deliver market-leading qualifications that the firm believe will prepare future trainees for practice. All future trainees will study the LLM Legal Practice, which incorporates preparation for SQE 1 & 2 as well as the SQE Plus, an enhanced programmed designed to go beyond the standard SQE syllabus to ensure trainees can be confident in their ability to hit the ground running.

Future trainees who have not studied law in England and Wales will take the nine-month Postgraduate Diploma in Law, before the LLM Legal Practice, to ensure they have a solid academic foundation in law. Yes, if you accept an offer of a training contact with Willkie, the firm will pay for your course fees in full and provide a maintenance grant of £17,500 per annum (pro-rated).

How long will it take for me to receive a response to my application?

For applications for the vacation scheme, you will receive a response within fifteen working days.

What benefits are included?

Benefits include: 25 days’ annual leave, Cycle to Work scheme, employee assistance programme for employees and their families, employer pension contribution, eye test, health & well-being allowance, interest-free season ticket loan, life assurance, private dental insurance, private medical insurance and technology programme.

Willkie hold a retreat every two years for all European lawyers, taking placing over several days. Most recently, in 2023, over 200 Willkie lawyers from all our European offices gathered in Portugal.

Socially, in London the firm is very active, with monthly informal gatherings, a summer and a Christmas party, plus an annual ski trip (“Willski”) (contributory). The firm also has a very active tennis team and running club, both for all abilities and genders.

On a yearly basis, Willkie takes part in fund-raising events with our annual charities (chosen by our people). In 2022, this has included a firm-wide pub quiz, the Tour de Law, the Square Mile Run, the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge, a dragon boat race and the Thames Walking Challenge.

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