Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird is an international law firm focused on organisations being changed by or creating technology and the digital world. Its official global directory lists 34 offices across 24 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and North America.
Firm overview
At a glance
A clear starting point for understanding the firm, its opportunities and the information students should check before applying.
Available routes
How can students join?
Student opportunities
Opportunities
Vacation schemes, training contracts, apprenticeships, insight programmes, work experience and other application routes.
Bird & Bird Virtual Experience Programme
Type: Virtual Experience
- Application timing: Applications are open; the official page does not publish an exact closing date.
- Programme dates: Exact programme dates are published on the relevant official student page when available.
- Duration: 7–8 hours
- Status: open
Published application and programme dates
- Applications are open; the official page does not publish an exact closing date.
- Programme: Exact programme dates are published on the relevant official student page when available.
- Who can apply: Open to all
- Eligibility: access: Open access application required: false
- Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
- Application process: No formal application for the core resource Open the official Bird & Bird or Forage page Complete the resource or register for an individual event where applicable
- Assessments: No formal recruitment assessment
- Progression: No automatic progression; the resource may support later applications.
- Right to work: Not applicable to the online resource.
- Disability support: Accessibility concerns can be raised with Bird & Bird or Forage.
Hong Kong - Training Contract
Type: Training Contract
Location: Hong Kong: Hong Kong
- Application timing: There is no separate direct application; trainees are selected from the Hong Kong summer internship.
- Programme dates: Starts September 2028 and lasts two years.
- Duration: Two years
- Status: no_application
Published application and programme dates
- There is no separate direct application; trainees are selected from the Hong Kong summer internship.
- Programme: Starts September 2028 and lasts two years.
- Who can apply: Future trainee solicitors
- Eligibility: Selection is through the Hong Kong summer internship.
- Progression: Training contract leading toward qualification.
- Funding: Funding details are not published in the reviewed brochure.
Virtual Experience Programme
Type: Virtual Experience
- Application timing: Available on demand through Forage.
- Programme dates: Self-paced and available online.
- Duration: 7–8 hours
- Status: available
Published application and programme dates
- Available on demand through Forage.
- Programme: Self-paced and available online.
- Who can apply: Open to all
- Eligibility: Open access; a computer or tablet and internet connection are required.
- Academic requirements: No grades or previous legal experience are required.
- Application process: Start the free simulation on Forage and complete the three self-paced modules.
- Assessments: No formal recruitment assessment
- Progression: No automatic progression; the resource may support later applications.
- Right to work: Not applicable to the online resource.
- Disability support: Accessibility concerns can be raised with Bird & Bird or Forage.
Belgium - Internship
Type: Internship
Location: Belgium: Brussels
- Application timing: Applications are accepted throughout the year; no fixed deadline is published.
- Programme dates: Internship dates are arranged with the Brussels office.
- Status: rolling
Published application and programme dates
- Applications are accepted throughout the year; no fixed deadline is published.
- Programme: Internship dates are arranged with the Brussels office.
- Who can apply: Students
- Eligibility: Submit the academic and motivation information requested on the official page.
- Progression: Work-experience route in the Brussels office.
- Funding: Funding details are not published.
Germany - Internship
Type: Internship
Location: Germany: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich
- Application timing: Application dates vary by office, cohort or live student vacancy; no single deadline is published.
- Programme dates: Exact programme dates are published on the relevant official student page when available.
- Duration: Not published
- Status: variable
Published application and programme dates
- Application dates vary by office, cohort or live student vacancy; no single deadline is published.
- Programme: Exact programme dates are published on the relevant official student page when available.
- Who can apply: Law students
- Eligibility: audience: Law students country: Germany criteria: Country-specific official page or vacancy
- Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
- Application process: Application stages are not published for this route unless stated below. Use the official Bird & Bird country careers page Follow the live vacancy or programme instructions
- Assessments: Assessment details are not published for this route unless stated below.
- Progression: Potential continuation as a student employee.
- Right to work: Country-specific employment and immigration requirements apply.
- Disability support: Country-specific recruitment teams should be contacted for adjustment requests.
Australia - Summer Clerkship
Type: Clerkship
Location: Australia: Sydney
- Application timing: Applications follow the Law Society of New South Wales clerkship timetable; Bird & Bird does not publish a separate deadline on the reviewed page.
- Programme dates: Sydney summer clerkship; exact next scheme dates are not published on the reviewed page.
- Status: variable
Published application and programme dates
- Applications follow the Law Society of New South Wales clerkship timetable; Bird & Bird does not publish a separate deadline on the reviewed page.
- Programme: Sydney summer clerkship; exact next scheme dates are not published on the reviewed page.
- Who can apply: Penultimate-year law students
- Eligibility: Applicants should meet the current NSW clerkship eligibility requirements.
- Progression: Main pathway into the Australian Graduate and Associate Programme.
- Funding: Paid; rate not published.
Finland - Thesis Trainee
Type: Student Role
Location: Finland: Helsinki
- Application timing: Open application; no fixed closing date is published.
- Programme dates: Helsinki thesis-trainee timing is arranged with the office.
- Status: rolling
Published application and programme dates
- Open application; no fixed closing date is published.
- Programme: Helsinki thesis-trainee timing is arranged with the office.
- Who can apply: Law students preparing a thesis
- Eligibility: Requirements are stated on the official Finland careers page.
- Progression: Student experience alongside thesis work.
- Funding: Vacancy-specific.
United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprentice Open Day 2026
Type: Open Day / Event
Location: United Kingdom
- Application timing: Applications close on 14 October 2026 at 12:00 BST.
- Programme dates: 28 October 2026, Bird & Bird London office, 12 New Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1JP.
- Status: rolling
Published application and programme dates
- Applications close on 14 October 2026 at 12:00 BST.
- Programme: 28 October 2026, Bird & Bird London office, 12 New Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1JP.
- Who can apply: For aspiring solicitor apprentices in final year of A-levels/Year 13 or school/college leavers, aged at least 18 by 1 September 2027, with UK work rights and stated academic criteria.
- Eligibility: For aspiring solicitor apprentices in final year of A-levels/Year 13 or school/college leavers, aged at least 18 by 1 September 2027, with UK work rights and stated academic criteria.
Netherlands - Student Internship
Type: Internship
Location: Netherlands
- Application timing: Applications are accepted by email; no fixed closing date is published.
- Programme dates: Internship timing is arranged with the Amsterdam or The Hague office.
- Status: rolling
Published application and programme dates
- Applications are accepted by email; no fixed closing date is published.
- Programme: Internship timing is arranged with the Amsterdam or The Hague office.
- Who can apply: Law students
- Eligibility: Applicants send a CV, motivation letter, marks and any available internship assessments.
- Progression: Student work-experience route in the Netherlands.
- Funding: Funding details are not published.
Germany - Student Collaboration
Type: Student Role
Location: Germany
- Application timing: Application dates vary by office, cohort or live student vacancy; no single deadline is published.
- Programme dates: Exact programme dates are published on the relevant official student page when available.
- Duration: Not published
- Status: variable
Published application and programme dates
- Application dates vary by office, cohort or live student vacancy; no single deadline is published.
- Programme: Exact programme dates are published on the relevant official student page when available.
- Who can apply: Students who completed an internship
- Eligibility: audience: Students who completed an internship country: Germany criteria: Country-specific official page or vacancy
- Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
- Application process: Application stages are not published for this route unless stated below. Use the official Bird & Bird country careers page Follow the live vacancy or programme instructions
- Assessments: Assessment details are not published for this route unless stated below.
- Progression: Potential continued employment and development.
- Right to work: Country-specific employment and immigration requirements apply.
- Disability support: Country-specific recruitment teams should be contacted for adjustment requests.
United Kingdom support
UK Visa and Funding
UK qualification funding, maintenance support and published visa-sponsorship or right-to-work information for joining the firm in the United Kingdom.
UK visa sponsorship and right to work
Vacation-scheme applicants need UK right to work; successful training-contract candidates may receive reasonable visa and work-permit assistance.
View official source for UK visa sponsorship and right to work (opens in new tab)
PGDL, SQE and apprenticeship funding
Future trainees receive course-fee funding and maintenance grants; apprentice tuition and materials are covered.
View official source for PGDL, SQE and apprenticeship funding (opens in new tab)
Early Bird social-mobility pathway
Seven-year pathway with school outreach, work experience, mentoring and a £7,500 university scholarship.
View official source for Early Bird social-mobility pathway (opens in new tab)
Early Bird Scholarship
The Early Bird Scholarship provides £7,500 of financial assistance, paid in instalments during university.
View official source for Early Bird Scholarship (opens in new tab)
Areas of work
Practice areas
The legal services and capabilities listed by the firm.
Commercial
Commercial contracts, digital business and trading arrangements.
Corporate
Corporate transactions, M&A, venture capital and governance.
Dispute Resolution
Litigation, arbitration and investigations.
Employment
Employment, incentives and workforce matters.
Finance and Financial Regulation
Finance, payments and regulatory work.
Intellectual Property
Patents, trade marks, copyright, designs and trade secrets.
Privacy and Data Protection
Data protection, privacy and cyber matters.
Real Estate
Real-estate investment, development and disputes.
Tax
Domestic and cross-border tax advice.
Technology and Communications
Technology, telecoms, media and digital-platform work.
Offices
Locations
Office locations and the student opportunities available in each location where confirmed.
United Kingdom, London
Office
12 New Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1JP
View United Kingdom, London official page (opens in new tab)
Australia, Sydney
Office
Official Bird & Bird Sydney office
Belgium, Brussels
Office
Official Bird & Bird Brussels office
China, Beijing
Office
Official Bird & Bird Beijing office
China, Hong Kong
Office
Official Bird & Bird Hong Kong office
China, Shanghai
Office
Official Bird & Bird Shanghai office
China, Shenzhen
Office
Unit 03, Level 14, GEM Tower, Shenzhen
Czechia, Prague
Office
Official Bird & Bird Prague office
Denmark, Copenhagen
Office
Official Bird & Bird Copenhagen office
Finland, Helsinki
Office
Official Bird & Bird Helsinki office
France, Lyon
Office
Official Bird & Bird Lyon office
France, Paris
Office
Official Bird & Bird Paris office
Germany, Düsseldorf
Office
Official Bird & Bird Düsseldorf office
Germany, Frankfurt
Office
Official Bird & Bird Frankfurt office
Germany, Hamburg
Office
Official Bird & Bird Hamburg office
Germany, Munich
Office
Official Bird & Bird Munich office
Hungary, Budapest
Office
Official Bird & Bird Budapest office
Ireland, Dublin
Office
124 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin D02 C628
Italy, Milan
Office
Official Bird & Bird Milan office
Italy, Rome
Office
Official Bird & Bird Rome office
Japan, Tokyo
Office
Official Bird & Bird Tokyo office
Morocco, Casablanca
Office
Official Bird & Bird Casablanca office
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Office
Official Bird & Bird Amsterdam office
View Netherlands, Amsterdam official page (opens in new tab)
Netherlands, The Hague
Office
Official Bird & Bird The Hague office
View Netherlands, The Hague official page (opens in new tab)
Poland, Warsaw
Office
Official Bird & Bird Warsaw office
Portugal, Lisbon
Office
Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo 32, Lisbon 1050-122
Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Office
Office 907, Tower 3, Tatweer Towers, Riyadh
Singapore
Office
Official Bird & Bird Singapore office
Slovak Republic, Bratislava
Office
Official Bird & Bird Bratislava office
View Slovak Republic, Bratislava official page (opens in new tab)
Spain, Madrid
Office
Official Bird & Bird Madrid office
Sweden, Stockholm
Office
Norrlandsgatan 15, Stockholm
United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Office
Level 1, Al Bateen Tower C6, Abu Dhabi
View United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi official page (opens in new tab)
United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Office
Official Bird & Bird Dubai office
View United Arab Emirates, Dubai official page (opens in new tab)
United States, San Francisco
Office
535 Mission Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco CA 94105
View United States, San Francisco official page (opens in new tab)
Career paths
Roles
Early-career routes, legal careers, knowledge and innovation roles, legal support and specialist leadership titles.
Trainee Solicitor
Two-year training contract
Access and inclusion
EDI
Recruitment adjustments, disability support, disability-specific programmes, mentoring, networks, partnerships and wider inclusion work.
Barrier-free recruitment adjustments
Confidential support is available where disability or another access need affects the recruitment process or completion of an application.
View official source for Barrier-free recruitment adjustments (opens in new tab)
Application-completion assistance
Applicants can seek assistance where disability makes completing an application difficult.
View official source for Application-completion assistance (opens in new tab)
Community and legal access
Pro bono
The firm’s published pro bono work, community projects, access-to-justice programmes and official partnerships.
Firm research
Firm highlights
Published awards, sectors, notable work, clients and other information that helps students understand the firm.
Official firm platforms
Links & Socials
Verified official websites, careers and application platforms, office directories and social-media accounts.
Main website
Official Bird & Bird website.
Careers
Official global careers hub.
UK Early Careers
Official UK student and graduate hub.
Vacation Schemes
Official vacation-scheme page.
Training Contract
Official training-contract page.
Solicitor Apprenticeship
Official solicitor-apprenticeship page.
Early Bird Pathway and Scholarship
Official social-mobility pathway and scholarship page.
Flying Start Programme
Official Flying Start page.
Open Days and Drop-Ins
Official open-day and office-drop-in page.
Virtual Experience
Official Bird & Bird virtual-experience page.
Forage Commercial Law
Official Bird & Bird commercial-law simulation.
Global Locations
Official global office directory.
