"Quite a lot of the recruitment exercises we do are not only designed to test pure legal intelligence, but also a candidate's understanding of why the law is the way it is. If you understand why, you are able to explain the law in a business context."
Head of Graduate RecruitmentHow to Apply and FAQs
Applications for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 Training Contracts will open in December 2024, and you can apply through LawCareers.Net.
Key dates
- Deadline for applications: 14/06/2025
- Interview & Assessment centres will run in July 2025
- Offers will be made in August 2025
Where do I find the Application Form?
If you like what you have seen so far, and fulfil our minimum requirements, then in the first instance you need to complete our on-line application form. Once you have completed this, you will hear from us shortly after the closing date as to whether you have been selected for a first interview.
Do you have a Minimum Criteria?
We are looking to recruit high calibre candidates. We have set minimum criteria for potential applicants based on academic achievements: you should have gained very good results at GCSE or its equivalent, have no less than 128 UCAS points (or their equivalent, this is 320 UCAS points in the old tariff) at one sitting and a 2:1 degree at university (or be on course for a 2:1 degree). We are looking for candidates who:
- Are commercially minded.
- Are ambitious, driven and enthusiastic.
- Demonstrate a willingness to take on responsibility.
Will you accept applications for those who gained a 2:2 at university?
We will only consider application forms with an overall 2:2 grade at university if there are mitigating circumstances.
Do you accept applications from candidates who need a work permit?
We do not currently have a sponsorship licence, so whilst you are welcome to apply, we would not be able to sponsor you through a training contract.
On average, how many applications do you receive each year?
On average we receive over 400 applications a year.
How many candidates are selected for interview?
Each application form is read by a member of HR and at least one Partner and fee-earner. We invite around 35 candidates to the first stage interview.
What happens after the first interview?
Successful candidates will be invited back for an assessment centre with a mix of formal assessments, work shadowing with trainees and social events. The aim of the assessment centre is to find out as much as we can about you and for you to find out about us! This will be followed by a formal interview by two Partners.
When will I find out if I have been offered a training contract?
Offers will be made following the final Partner interviews at the beginning of August. But this isn’t goodbye until your start your training contract, we like to keep in contact with our future trainees and will invite you to our Christmas and Summer parties, giving you the opportunity to meet more of us before you become one of the team.
Will the firm sponsor my studies?
By choosing us you will receive our funding support for your PGDL and additionally your LPC or LLM in Legal Practice through the University of Law, along with the SQE1 and SQE2 exam fees if qualifying via the SQE route. In addition, the firm will also provide a maintenance grant of £6,000 for each year of study. Please note we are unable to provide sponsorship where studies have already been completed.
I applied for a trainee contract last year, am I able to reapply this year?
Candidates may reapply if they feel that significant achievements in the past year have added to the strength of their application. Unfortunately, if you have already been interviewed by us we will not be able to reconsider your application.