How many trainees are you looking to recruit this year?
Each year we aim to recruit up to 50 trainee solicitors, including two trainees in our Birmingham office.
How many start dates do you have each year?
In London trainees join us in the spring and the autumn each year (just over 20 trainee in each intake). In Birmingham our trainees join in the autumn each year.
Can I apply to both Birmingham and London?
We ask you to submit just one training contract application per year, so we recommend that you apply to either Birmingham or London.
Do you sponsor students through Law School?
We’ll pick up the bill for all your course fees and SQE exams. We also provide maintenance grants to our future joiners whilst completing the pre-requisite courses prior to commencing their training contract. The current maintenance grant for full-time study during the PGDL is £10,000 outside London and £12,500 within London. The current maintenance grant for SQE studies is £12,500 in Birmingham and £20,000 in London.
When would I start my PGDL - Law Conversion course (if relevant?)
If you need to do the PGDL you would normally start this around 2 years before your training contract start date. So, for example, if you are joining us as a trainee in September 2028 you would start your PGDL course in September 2026.
When would I start my SQE course?
You would normally start your SQE course 12 months before starting your training contract. So, if you are joining us in March 2028, you would start your SQE course in March 2027.
What if I have already completed the Law Foundations Course/LPC/SQE1/SQE2?
We accept applications from candidates who have already started or completed the PGDL, LPC and/or SQE exams. If you receive a training contract offer from us, we will discuss with you about any further study required.
What experience do I need in order to apply for a direct training contract?
We would encourage you to apply for a direct training contract if you already have a good amount of experience in either a commercial law firm (e.g., through vacation schemes or paralegal work), a professional services firm or in a professional setting relevant to the industry sectors that we serve. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity for this type of work experience, we recommend applying for one of our vacation schemes instead.
What is the process for deciding which practice area I will qualify into?
Around the second month of the final seat, trainees will be informed about all the newly qualified (NQ) vacancies available in the various London practice areas and international offices. Trainees will also be invited to attend a qualification briefing held by the Training Principal and Early Careers Development team to explain the process and give you an opportunity to brush up on your interviewing skills.
Trainees will then be invited to submit preferences to the Trainee Development.
The partners in the practice groups will interview all trainees who express an interest and will confirm to Trainee Development which people they wish to offer roles to.
There will however be competition for some roles in smaller niche groups. Therefore, it is important to keep an open mind so our trainees have a range of options available to them.
If trainees are not awarded a role following the first round, they may be able to apply for roles in the second round of the qualification process. Further roles sometimes become available at this stage also.