Taylor Wessing LLP

Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely together with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results.

Specialising in technology, media and communications; life sciences and healthcare; real estate, infrastructure and energy; and Private Wealth, we act for the world's biggest brands, most innovative start-ups and unicorns, and wealthiest families.

We have over 1,100 lawyers in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, who advise our clients on their corporate, IP, disputes, and other matters. Working at the forefront of new areas of law, we help our clients by introducing them to new people, new markets, and fresh perspectives to help them flourish.

Collaboration is key to our success. We believe different backgrounds bring different interests and skill sets, enhancing and diversifying the service we provide to our clients. Many of our lawyers joined the profession from different backgrounds and we welcome applications from both law and non-law students.

Who should apply

To be able to apply for our Summer Vacation Scheme, you'll need to be in the second year of your degree and beyond.

Regarding academic ability, we do look for AAB at A Level and a 2:1 in any degree disciple. If you do not meet the AAB requirement but are able to demonstrate strong academic performance elsewhere and have the motivation, skill set and attitude to succeed, please reach out to one of the team to discuss your application.

We want to recruit top talent for our relatively small intake, and we know that academics aren’t the only measure of success and appreciate diversity of experience. We do not automatically reject applications based on academics and screen the whole application form before making a decision. We use Rare Recruitment Contextual Recruitment System to consider everyone's achievements in context.

Therefore, we will review your performance across all areas of the form before making a decision, for example; interests and achievements, work experience, overall communication and answers to commercial and career-focused questions.

Training contract

Within a small intake of around 25 graduates, you'll find the support you need to flourish throughout your training contract while benefiting from the experience you need to become a brilliant lawyer. Across two years, you'll move through four six-months seats in different practice groups. All trainee solicitors take on a seat in either Corporate or Finance, and at least one seat must involve contentious work.

We offer up to 23 training contracts each year in London, and 2 training contracts in Cambridge. Regardless of whether you're based in London or Cambridge, we'll provide you with all the training and experience to help you succeed.

SQE

Before commencing the training contract, students undertake the SQE 1 and SQE 2 examination. We have partnered with University of Law for this course, which will enable you to gain a breadth of knowledge before commencing these examinations. Additionally, you will also undertake an SQE plus course to provide you with further legal knowledge ahead of joining the firm, which includes a master's.

Ahead of commencing the course, you will meet with the Early Talent and Development team to learn more about the course and our expectations and be provided with support throughout the year long course.

By completing the course and examinations ahead of your start date, you will be able to hit the ground running and gain your two years qualifying work experience through our training contract.

Vacation scheme

Our award-winning scheme lets you experience what it's like to be a trainee solicitor in a fast-paced international law firm. You’ll spend two weeks immersed in two different practice areas, gaining first-hand experience under the supervision of our approachable associates and partners. You'll also be involved in socials, networking opportunities, pro bono work and more, so you'll end the scheme with invaluable experience and a clear sense of career direction. To be eligible to apply for our Summer Vacation Scheme you'll need to be in the second year of your degree or beyond.

Our 2024 Summer Vacation Scheme is the only way to be considered for a September 2025/26 training contract position with the firm. Applications open on 1 September and close on 1 December 2023.

When and how to apply

Applications for our 2024 Summer Vacation Scheme open on 1 September 2023. The deadline for applications for the Summer Vacation Scheme is 1 December 2023.

We recruit only through our vacation scheme for our 2024 and 2025 training contract. Apply online

Sponsorship

We'll pay your tuition fees for the PGDL and SQE, to be studied at the University of Law London; our chosen law school provider. During your studies we'll also supply you with a £12,500 pa maintenance grant. Before you commence your training contract with the firm, you will undertake the SQE 1 and SQE 2 examination. We have partnered with University of Law for this course, which will enable you to gain a breadth of knowledge before commencing these examinations. Additionally, you will also undertake an SQE plus course to provide you with further legal knowledge ahead of joining the firm, which includes a master’s.

Open days 2023

Throughout October and November we'll be running a series of Open Days where you'll get the chance to learn more about the firm and hear from both senior lawyers and trainee solicitors. Our Open Days will be hosted in person and online so you can select a date and format which works for you. You'll need to complete an application form to attend.

To be eligible to attend you must be a penultimate year lawyer or non-law finalist as this open day will be focussed on our vacation scheme opportunities.

For details of how to apply and deadlines please visit our website.

Students and graduates - Our schemes

First year opportunities

In April 2024 we'll be hosting our two-day First Year Insight Scheme where you'll get the chance to learn more about the firm, network and think commercially. The First Year Insight Scheme is a great step to ensure you're ready to apply for the 2025 Summer Vacation Scheme.

The First Year Insight Scheme will take place on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 April 2024.

To apply for our 2024 First Year Scheme, you'll need to be in the first year of your degree (studying any subject) and complete an application form to attend.

Applications open on 1 December 2023 and close on 1 February 2024.

Solicitor Apprenticeship

Our six-year programme has been designed to enable you to hit the ground running from day one. You'll work towards an LLB (Hons) Law and a Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Each week you will spend four days working in a practice area, working on cases for our clients with one day studying with our training provider, University of Law (ULaw). All your tuition fees will be paid for you, and you'll earn a salary whilst training and gaining your qualifications.

Diversity & Inclusion

We build inclusive and progressive workplaces and aim to have a positive impact in the legal world and broader society. We look after the health and wellbeing of our people, and celebrate diversity in all forms, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Nurturing a diverse, inclusive culture allows all of our talent to flourish. It sparks creativity amongst our people. It powers innovation for our clients.

Our trainees have the opportunity to join our inclusion networks. These cover: gender balance, LGBT+ inclusion, racial equality, social mobility and physical and mental health and wellbeing.