Qualify as a solicitor with two-years of exceptional training to kick-start your career in law.
To become a trainee solicitor at Bird & Bird, you can apply by attending a vacation scheme.
A training contract, also known as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), is a two-year training programme commenced after university and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) to develop practical skills and legal knowledge. You'll experience four 'seats' in different practice areas for six-months each. You'll be supervised by experts in their field and work for stimulating clients across a range of sectors. After the end of the training contract, you'll be a qualified solicitor.
Your relationship with us starts from the moment you secure your training contract - as a future trainee solicitor. You'll be invited to firm-wide socials, events, and be updated on firm news. Our aim is to ensure your transition into the firm is as smooth as possible. We'll also assign a Trainee Buddy to support you during this period of change, acting as a point of contact from offer letter to qualification.
Prior to starting your first seat, you'll have a comprehensive induction designed by our Learning & Development team, providing you with the basic building blocks for your personal growth and professional success as a trainee solicitor.
From practical learning to insight sessions and skill-based workshops, we'll ensure that you're set up for success. We'll introduce you to all areas of the firm, from business services to fee earners, strengthening your understanding of how we operate as one seamless international, sector-focused firm.
You'll spend time in four different departments for six-months each, known as ‘seats’, giving you a rich learning experience and development opportunities. During each seat, you'll be assigned to a dedicated supervisor who is an associate or partner. You may also experience a client secondment to further your experience by developing your commercial edge by understanding their business from the inside.
Alongside your seat rotations, you'll take part in a tailored Learning & Development Programme which will equip you with a broad range of technical and business skills. This programme is led by a mixture of internal and external speakers in a combination of online and in-person sessions. You'll put this learning into context as you rotate around different departments throughout your training contract.
You'll receive regular feedback from your supervisors and the Early Careers team to provide you with the support and guidance fundamental to you excelling in your law career. From induction to qualification, networking and social events will allow you to immerse you in our friendly, vibrant culture. You can also get involved in pro-bono and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, support the Early Career team with events and mentoring, or get involved in other firm-wide opportunities such as sports teams and our employee networks.
If you would like to be considered for a training contract commencing in 2028, you must apply for a 2026 vacation scheme, as all vacation scheme participants will be considered for a training contract at the end of the scheme.
You should have, or expect to have, AAB at A-Level and 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). We understand that you may not have received the grade you hoped for due to extenuating or mitigating circumstances. Please detail any relevant information in your application for us to take into consideration. We also use a Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) to enable us to recruit people from different backgrounds and help us understand your achievements in the context in which they were gained.
We operate rolling recruitment, which means we screen applications as they are received, rather than after our deadline. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Go to our employability hub, The Nest, to develop your legal skills and commercial awareness, learn about the recruitment process and what we look for in successful candidates, and general advice on navigating your career in law.
We’re a disability, neurodiversity and mental health inclusive employer and want to ensure that you have a barrier-free recruitment experience. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process or require assistance completing an application as the result of disability, you can get confidential advice from our Early Careers team at earlycareers@twobirds.com.
For example, if you’re currently in your final year of a STEM degree at university graduating in Summer 2026 or earlier, you’re eligible to apply for a training contract commencing in September 2028. If you’re successful in securing a training contract, you’ll commence the PgDL in September 2026 for one year, and then the SQE the following year in September 2027, so that your studies are completed before starting your legal training in September 2028.
To become a trainee solicitor at Bird & Bird, you can apply by attending a vacation. During a vacation scheme, you'll be assessed for a training contract.
What is a vacation scheme? A vacation scheme with us is much more than just work experience. It's an opportunity to discover your potential and kick-start your career in law, taking you straight to the heart of our global firm. Alongside working in a department, you'll be provided with training, skill sessions, and the opportunities to meet a breadth of people from across the firm. You'll also have the chance to network and socialise with colleagues through our socials and events, immersing yourself in our friendly, vibrant culture.
