Birmingham Training Contract
Since opening the Birmingham office in 2015, we’ve built a consistently profitable and strong legal capability, working in corporate, litigation, real estate, and real estate finance.
Over your training contract, you’ll rotate through four different seats. You’ll build on your skills as you go, learning how to deliver level-headed advice to clients and deepen your commercial instincts and sector expertise.
Your seats will take place across a variety of practice groups within the Birmingham office. Each of these will last six months and will help you scope out where your interests lie and which area best matches your developing skill set.
Applications Open: 10 September 2025 (for training contracts commencing in September 2028)
Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Birmingham Trainees:
Year 1 – £37,500
Year 2 - £41,000
Birmingham NQ salary - £85,000
As part of our UK offering, our Birmingham office plays an important role as an extension of our London office, providing innovative legal solutions.
Since its establishment in 2015, we’ve been committed to delivering exceptional legal services in corporate and commercial law, finance, litigation, real estate, and real estate finance. Our talented team of business professionals collaborate seamlessly with our lawyers, ensuring we provide tailored, top-tier client service.
We deliver results for our clients, and we empower them with access to our global resources and personalised support, all made possible by our close-knit team. Birmingham is a vibrant business and cultural center, and we are committed to being part of the community. We are proud to invest in and support the city by providing attractive career opportunities as well as by undertaking a variety of community and pro bono activities. Our office embodies an ambitious and supportive culture, offering the growth opportunities of a global firm alongside the benefits of a small office environment.
We are proud to invest in and support the city by providing attractive career opportunities as well as by undertaking a variety of community and pro bono activities. For more than 6 years, teams across our Birmingham and London offices have collaborated to assist children to apply for British citizenship, with Kids in Need of Defense (UK). Some examples of local initiatives include our partnerships with The Rivers Trust, Trent Rivers Trust, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trusts and The Wildlife Trusts who we’ve worked with to provide pro bono legal advice, donations and skilled volunteering, including team volunteering days to support conservation and habitat restoration efforts at local nature reserves and waterways. As well as education programmes supporting young people build their literacy and confidence through our partnership with ChapterOne.
Our Birmingham trainees study the LLM SQE 1&2 at BPP University in Birmingham.
To apply for a training contract, you must allow sufficient time to complete your Law Conversion course (*if relevant) and/or your SQE exams before the training contract starts. If you are still an undergraduate student you’ll need to be in at least the penultimate year of a law degree (of England & Wales) or in the final year of a non-law degree to apply.
*All future trainees who have not completed a degree in the law of England & Wales will need to complete the Law Conversion course.
You will need a 2:1 (predicted or obtained) or above in your bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent international grade. We also look for (at least) AAB at A Level or equivalent.
What we look for
Adaptable
People who love to meet changing demands and find the best fit.
.webp "Ambition")
Ambition
People who are self-motivated and push themselves hard.
.webp "Collaboration")
Collaboration
People who enjoy achieving results by working as part of a team.
Critical Reasoning
The ability to evaluate information efficiently and to make evidence-based judgements in the workplace.
.webp "Effective Communication")
Effective Communication
Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues and clients through effective listening, speaking and writing.
Growth
People who look for ways to grow and develop, whatever they are doing.
.webp "Initiative")
Initiative
People who take the initiative and make decisions, to get things started.
.webp "Innovation")
Innovation
People who approach things in ingenious and new ways.
Motivation
Motivation for a career in commercial law at Hogan Lovells.
.webp "Personal Responsibility")
Personal Responsibility
People who take ownership of their decisions and are always accountable.
.webp "asset-7")
Resilience
People who take hardships in their stride, recovering quickly and moving on.
.webp "Technology Focus")
Technology Focus
People who focus on technology, keeping up to date with new developments.
.webp "Work Ethic")
Work Ethic
People who are very hard working and put a lot of effort into everything.
Offer to office
Wondering what life as a Hogan Lovells trainee is really like? Our Offer to Office film series shares the real experiences of our people - from researching the firm, to accepting an offer, to stepping into the office for the first time. No scripts, no spin - just authentic stories from those who’ve been there.
.webp)
Coming soon - Discovery
This episode features trainees sharing how they discovered Hogan Lovells, what drew them to the firm, and their advice for others exploring career opportunities.
Coming soon - Support
This episode explores the journey after securing a training contract — from the SQE and early interactions to the firm’s structured support systems.
Coming soon - The Real Deal
This episode offers a genuine look at life after joining — from onboarding and firm culture to financial and wellbeing support, and the day-to-day experience of being part of Hogan Lovells.
Before you apply, do your homework.
Before submitting your application to Hogan Lovells, it’s essential to understand the firm’s culture, values, and practice areas. One great way to gain insight is by tuning in to the HL Legal Lounge podcast. Hosted by Hogan Lovells trainees and featuring a mix of interviews and topical discussions, the podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at life at the firm - from landmark cases to career journeys and practical tips for aspiring lawyers.
.webp)
Candidate Preparation Hub
Before you apply to us, we recommend you visit our candidate preparation hub, where you’ll be able to find out more about our assessment process and access practice tests and hints and tips.
.webp)
Have a Question?
Our Early Careers team receive hundreds of questions every week - so there’s a good chance yours is already answered! Check out our FAQ section first to find quick, clear answers before getting in touch.
.webp)