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 more than 1,200 lawyers in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, who advise 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.

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Training contract

Within a small intake of around 22 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 our two-year training contract, you’ll move through four six-month seats in different practice groups. All trainees take on a seat in either Corporate or Finance, and at least one seat must involve contentious work. On the remaining two seats you’ll be able to follow your own interests. We offer client secondment opportunities, which provide a real and meaningful insight into the sectors in which we operate. We also offer short relationship-building international secondment opportunities to our international offices.

We offer training contracts each year in London and Cambridge. Regardless of where you're based, 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.

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.

When and how to apply

Applications for our 2025 Spring Vacation Scheme open on 1 September 2024 and the deadline is 1 November 2024. Applications for our 2025 Summer Vacation Scheme open on 1 October 2024 and the deadline is 1 December 2024. We recruit only through our vacation scheme for our 2024 and 2025 training contract.

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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 Spring or Summer Vacation Schemes you'll need to be in the second year of your degree or beyond. Our 2025 Vacation Scheme is the only way to be considered for a September 2026 or 2027 training contract position with the firm.

Applications for our 2025 Spring Vacation Scheme open on 1 September 2024 and the deadline is 1 November 2024. Applications for our 2025 Summer Vacation Scheme open on 1 October 2024 and the deadline is 1 December 2024.

Taster Week (Open days) 2024

As part of our Taster Weeks, taking place in October and November 2024, we invite you to a series of Open Days designed to provide you with valuable insights into our firm. During these events, you will have the opportunity to connect with our senior lawyers and trainee solicitors, who will share their experiences and expertise. We offer both in-person sessions at our offices and online options to accommodate your schedule. You'll need to complete our short application form to secure your attendance. Applications open on 1 August 2024 and the days are held on the following dates:

21 to 25 October 2024

• Monday 21 October: Open Day (London office)
• Tuesday 22 October: Virtual Open Day (London office)
• Wednesday 23 October: STEM Open Day (London office)
• Thursday 24 October: Virtual Open Day Workshops
• Friday 25 October: Open Day - underrepresented groups (London office)

11 to 15 November 2024

• Monday 11 November: Open Day (London office)
• Tuesday 12 November: Virtual Open Day Workshops
• Wednesday 13 November: Brunel University Open Day (London office)
• Thursday 14 November: Cambridge Open Evening
• Friday 15 November: Virtual Open Day

Webinar Week

Throughout Webinar Week, which runs from 30 September to 4 October 2024, we will host a series of online events to illuminate the various sectors we specialise in and provide guidance from our Early Talent team. During our sector spotlight series, you’ll hear from our senior lawyers about the pivotal role of each of our sectors. You’ll also have opportunities to engage with the early talent team and our trainee solicitors through online sessions designed to offer insights into life at Taylor Wessing and the application process.

Registration opens on 1 August 2024 and the deadline to sign up is 27 September 2024.

Monday 30 September

• Real estate, infrastructure and energy sector spotlight webinar
• SQE Essentials: What you need to know

Tuesday 1 October

• Technology, media and communications sector spotlight webinar
• My journey into law as a STEM student

Wednesday 2 October

• Life sciences and healthcare sector spotlight webinar
• Beyond Billables: Embracing culture, training and responsible business

Thursday 4 October

• Private Wealth sector spotlight webinar
• My journey into law as a career changer

Friday 5 October

• The Power of Personal Branding: How to stand out in a competitive market
• Winning Applications: Key insights and practical tips

First year opportunities

In April 2025 we'll be hosting our two-day First Year Insight Scheme in London and Cambridge, 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 2026 Vacation Scheme.

The First Year Insight Scheme will take place on 22 and 23 April 2025.

To apply for our 2025 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 2024 and close on 1 February 2025.

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.

Limitless Year 12 programme

Limitless is our new programme designed to introduce Year 12 students to the world of law. Featuring monthly upskilling workshops, networking opportunities and a two-day work shadowing opportunity, Limitless will let you experience what it's like to work in a leading law firm. We'll introduce you to the skills you'll need for a career in law and help you kickstart your career as a solicitor.

Applications to Limitless are open to individuals who are in Year 12, have a minimum of seven GCSEs grade 7 or above, and are of Black heritage 'and/or are from a low socio-economic background. You'll also need to be free to attend all the monthly sessions and the two in-person work shadowing days in October.

Diversity and 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. We have networks covering gender balance, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, racial equality, social mobility, and physical and mental health and wellbeing.