Direct Law Training Contract 2028/2029 - London

Direct Law Training Contract 2028/2029 - London

Salary: £57,000 (1st Year) | £62,000 (2nd Year)

Application Deadline: 27 March 2026 (12:00 PM / Noon)

About the Programme

Our bespoke training contract is designed to build the foundation of your legal career. Over the course of two years, you will rotate through four different seats (each lasting six months), giving you the agility and broad experience needed to become a confident, commercial lawyer.

You won't just learn the law; you'll live it. From day one, you are supported by a trainee buddy, a dedicated supervisor, and our Early Careers team to ensure you are on the right trajectory for qualification.

Your Training Journey

Your training contract is structured to ensure a well-rounded experience across commercial law:

• Seat Structure: You will complete four 6-month rotations.
• Core Experience: One seat in Global Loans or Global Markets and one seat in a Transactional practice.
• Broadening Horizons: Two additional seats across our other practice areas or on secondment.
• Secondments: Opportunity to spend 6 months in one of our international offices (with language support) or in-house with a client.
• Support Network: A dedicated supervisor, a trainee buddy, and access to a specialist Learning & Development team.

Post-Graduate Sponsorship & Support

We invest heavily in your education before you even join the office. All future trainees will complete the LLM Legal Practice Course (SQE 1&2).

• PGDL (Non-Law Students): Full fees paid + £12,000 maintenance grant (£10,200 outside London).
• SQE 1&2 (All Students): Full fees paid + £20,000 maintenance grant while studying at the University of Law, Moorgate.
• Interest-Free Loan: Available up to £2,000.
• SMART Commitment: Financial support for business attire and tech for incoming apprentices from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Key Dates & Timeline

• Applications Open: Monday, 5th January 2026
• Applications Close: 27 March 2026 (12:00 PM / Noon)
• Online Tests: Immediately following application (Untimed, approx. 60 mins)
• Interviews: First stage in May 2026, Second stage in June 2026

The Recruitment Process

1. Online Application: Showcase your passion and commercial insight. Note: We do not recruit on a rolling basis.
2. Online Assessment: Critical reasoning and behavioural scenarios (untimed).
3. Online Assessment Centre: A written case study to test analytical skills.
4. In-Person Assessment Day: Group exercise, office tour, and interview with an Associate & Early Careers member.
5. Final Partner Interview: A 1-hour interview including a case study review (15 mins prep time) to test commercial thinking.

Culture & Benefits

• Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse cohort where you can champion change through our diversity networks.
• Keep in Touch: Join our "Future Trainees" network for bi-annual events before you start.
• Global Reach: Work alongside experts in their field on high-quality, international work.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.