Do I need a law degree to get a training contract?

No. Non-law graduates are actively recruited by many firms. You will need to complete the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) before qualifying, but many firms sponsor this and cover the costs.

How far in advance are training contracts recruited?

Often 2-3 years. Training contracts starting in autumn 2028 may be applied for during 2025/2026, depending on the firm. Plan early and check each firm's deadlines.

What is the salary for a trainee solicitor?

Salaries vary significantly by firm, location and year. Large commercial firms in London tend to pay more than regional or smaller firms. Check each firm's careers page for the most up-to-date figures.

Can I apply directly without doing a vacation scheme?

Yes. Direct training contract applications are possible at many firms. At some firms, such as Freshfields, direct applicants make up a significant proportion of trainees. The relative competitiveness of direct applications versus vacation-scheme routes varies by firm.

2027 Applications

Complete Guide to Law Training Contract Applications 2027

Everything a law student or career changer needs to know about securing a training contract: deadlines, application strategy, critical-thinking tests, interview preparation and what to expect during the two-year training period.

Built for students applying to Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Freshfields and other leading firms

In this guide

1What a training contract is
2The 2027 training contract timeline
3The application
4Free CV checkerFREE TOOL
5Online tests
6Free psychometric practiceFREE TOOL
7The interview: partner meetings and competency questions
8Free video interview practiceFREE TOOL
9The assessment day: what to expect
10Firms and deadlines
11Frequently asked questions

Section 1

What a training contract is

A training contract is a two-year period of supervised work-based training at a law firm that forms part of the route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. At many firms, trainees rotate through four six-month seats in different practice areas, although structure can vary by firm.

At large commercial firms, the training contract typically involves formal training, live client work, regular feedback from supervisors, and increasingly complex responsibility as you progress. Upon successful completion, trainees may qualify as solicitors and many firms consider them for newly qualified associate roles.

The training contract is often secured 2-3 years before it starts. At some firms, vacation schemes are a major route into training contracts. At others, direct training contract applications are also an important route. Freshfields, for example, says approximately half its trainee intakes come from direct applicants.

Salaries vary significantly by firm and year.

Duration

2 years, often structured as four 6-month seats

Salary

Varies significantly by firm and year

Vacation scheme route

At many firms, vacation schemes are an important route into training contract offers

Direct applications

Direct applications can be highly competitive, but some firms recruit substantial numbers this way

Start date

Varies by firm, often with autumn and spring intakes

Lead time

Often recruited 2-3 years in advance

Section 2

The 2027 training contract timeline

Training contracts starting in 2028/2029 are often recruited for during 2026/2027. At many firms, vacation schemes are an important route into training contracts, but some firms also recruit substantial numbers through direct applications.

July - September 2026·Research and preparation

Research firms, develop commercial awareness, attend open days and virtual events. If you are targeting a vacation scheme route, begin preparing your applications. If applying directly, check when each firm opens its direct training contract window.

Autumn 2026·Vacation scheme and direct TC applications

Vacation-scheme application windows vary by firm, but many open in autumn. Linklaters' 2026 vacation-scheme applications ran from September to December 2025. Direct training contract applications may also open in autumn: Clifford Chance's direct London TC applications for 2028/29 opened in September 2025 and closed in November 2025.

Autumn - winter 2026·Screening tests and interviews

Many firms use critical-thinking assessments (such as the Watson Glaser), situational-judgement tests, or video interviews at this stage. Format and timing vary by firm.

Spring / summer 2027·Vacation schemes take place

Vacation schemes often take place in spring or summer, depending on the firm. Performance during the placement is typically the primary basis for training contract offers at firms that use this route.

Summer 2027·Training contract offers

Offer timing varies by firm. Direct TC applicants may receive offers at different points in the year.

2027 - 2028·Pre-qualification study

If required by the firm, complete the firm's prescribed pre-qualification study route, usually linked to the SQE. Many commercial firms sponsor the SQE and cover course fees. Clifford Chance, for example, fully funds and organises the SQE.

Autumn 2028 or spring 2029·Training contract begins

Your two-year training contract starts. Start dates vary by firm, often with autumn and spring intakes.

Section 3

How to apply for a training contract

Your CV

Training contract CVs follow the same principles as vacation scheme CVs, with an emphasis on academic credentials, commercial awareness, and legal or commercial experience:

Academic record is important. A-Level grades, degree classification, and university all matter. Academic performance remains important at many firms.

Legal experience: vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, law clinic, pro bono work, legal internships. If you have completed a vacation scheme elsewhere, reference it.

Commercial experience: any exposure to business environments, even outside law. Consulting work, finance internships, business-related society roles.

Skills: research, drafting, mooting, debating, languages (especially for international firms), any evidence of written communication ability.

Cover letter

Training contract cover letters or written motivation questions typically follow a three-part structure:

Why commercial law? Demonstrate understanding of the commercial solicitor role: advising businesses, managing transactions, navigating regulations.

Why this firm? Reference specific practice areas, deals, training structure, or international presence. Show you have done the research.

Why you? Connect your experiences to the skills a trainee needs. Be specific and evidence-based.

Application questions

Training contract application questions often probe deeper than vacation scheme questions:

Commercial depth: "Analyse a recent deal involving this firm and discuss its significance." Research the firm's deals page and pick something specific. Show analytical thinking.

Career motivation: "Why do you want to qualify as a solicitor at this firm?" The answer should show you understand the training contract structure, the seat rotation system, and the firm's specific approach to training.

Problem solving: "How would you advise a client facing [scenario]?" You do not need legal knowledge for these. They test structured thinking and commercial judgement.

Section 4FREE TOOL

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Training contract CV screening can be highly competitive. Upload your CV for an instant analysis.

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Section 5

The Watson Glaser and other screening assessments

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is widely used by many commercial law firms. It is a common screening stage and can be a major hurdle for applicants. Some firms also use other verbal or situational-judgement assessments.

Watson Glaser Critical Thinking

Varies by version

Providers: Pearson TalentLens

The test assesses critical-thinking skills such as inference, deduction, interpretation and evaluation of arguments. Candidates should focus on the information and logic provided rather than outside knowledge. Format can vary by version.

Verbal reasoning

Varies by firm

Providers: Various providers

Some firms use verbal reasoning assessments alongside or instead of the Watson Glaser. Standard True/False/Cannot Say format.

Situational judgement

Varies by firm

Providers: Various providers

Professional services scenarios testing judgement and values alignment.

Preparation tips

Complete at least 2-3 full Watson Glaser practice tests before your first live attempt.

The "evaluation of arguments" section often trips up candidates. Practise distinguishing between logically strong and weak arguments regardless of your personal views.

Time pressure is common. Avoid spending too long on any single question.

Focus on the information given in each passage rather than applying outside knowledge.

Section 6FREE TOOL

Practice a psychometric test

Practising the format before the real assessment can be very helpful. The Watson Glaser tests a type of reasoning you rarely practise at university. Try one below.

Psychometric Tests

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Section 7

The interview: partner meetings and competency questions

Training contract interviews are often conducted live, in person or by video, although some firms also use pre-recorded video interviews earlier in the process. Interviewers may include partners, associates or graduate-recruitment assessors, depending on the firm. Interview length varies by firm.

The tone is often more conversational than banking interviews but the expectations are high. Interviewers are assessing whether you are someone they would trust to represent the firm in front of clients.

Common question types

Why commercial law?

Show understanding of what commercial solicitors actually do: advising businesses on transactions, disputes, and regulatory compliance.

Why this firm?

Reference specific practice areas, deals, training structure, or international opportunities. Be specific enough that the answer would not work for a competitor.

Commercial awareness

"Tell me about a recent legal or business development." A deal, regulation, or case from the last 3 months with analysis of its commercial significance.

Competency

Teamwork, leadership, attention to detail, resilience. STAR structure with specific, honest examples.

How firms score your answers

Commercial thinking: do you understand how law firms operate and how legal work drives business outcomes?

Communication clarity: can you explain complex ideas simply and listen carefully?

Genuine motivation: does your interest in this firm and this career feel authentic?

Professional presentation: would a client trust you?

Intellectual curiosity: do you ask good questions?

Section 8FREE TOOL

Practice a video interview question

Even if your firm conducts live interviews, practising on camera builds the same core skills: structuring answers under time pressure, managing nerves, and articulating your motivation clearly. Try one question below.

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Your question

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Section 9

The assessment day: what to expect

Many commercial law firms use assessment days that combine interviews with practical exercises. Common assessment-day components can include interviews, group exercises, written exercises and, at some firms, presentations.

Partner interview

Varies

Motivation, commercial awareness, competency questions. More conversational than HR interviews but still structured.

Group exercise

Varies

Discuss a business scenario with other candidates and reach a recommendation. Assessors evaluate contribution quality, listening, and collaboration.

Written exercise

Varies

Draft a client letter, summarise legal issues, or advise on a scenario. Tests structured thinking and writing clarity, not legal knowledge.

Presentation (some firms)

Varies

Prepared or impromptu presentation on a commercial topic. Structure and clarity matter most.

How to stand out during the week

Research the firm's recent deals in the week before. Read their press releases and any coverage in The Lawyer.

In the written exercise: structure is everything. Introduction, key points, conclusion. Write less but write well.

Be warm and professional with everyone, including other candidates, trainees and receptionists.

Prepare questions for the partner that show commercial curiosity about the firm's strategy.

Section 10

Typical application windows by firm

The dates below are based on previous cycles. Always check the firm's careers site for the latest information.

Firm	Programme	Opens
Clifford Chance	Training Contract	Direct TC applications for 2028/29 opened September 2025, closed November 2025	Get alerted
Linklaters	Training Contract	Direct TC and vacation-scheme applications for 2028/29 opened September 2025, closed December 2025	Get alerted
Freshfields	Training Contract	Summer vacation-scheme applications for 2027 reopen Autumn 2026. Direct trainee applications also an important route	Get alerted
Slaughter and May	Training Contract	Check the firm's careers site for current availability	Get alerted
Herbert Smith Freehills	Training Contract	Timing varies. Check careers site	Get alerted
Hogan Lovells	Training Contract	Timing varies. Check careers site	Get alerted
Ashurst	Training Contract	Timing varies. Check careers site	Get alerted
White & Case	Training Contract	Timing varies. Check careers site	Get alerted

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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