DWF

United Kingdom - England Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester

• Application timing: DWF currently identifies its England Training Contract recruitment for a 2028 start. The current official programme page does not publish the exact application deadline; DWF directs candidates to its application portal for deadlines.
• Programme dates: 2028 intake. Four six-month seats over two years; exact start day is not published. DWF also states that a small number of earlier-start vacancies may be available.
• Duration: 2 years in England; jurisdiction-specific structure elsewhere
• Status: unknown

Published application and programme dates

• DWF currently identifies its England Training Contract recruitment for a 2028 start. The current official programme page does not publish the exact application deadline; DWF directs candidates to its application portal for deadlines.
• Programme: 2028 intake. Four six-month seats over two years; exact start day is not published. DWF also states that a small number of earlier-start vacancies may be available.

• Who can apply: Future solicitor
• Eligibility: audience: Graduates and career changers jurisdictions: England Scotland Northern Ireland lpc candidates: Applicants who have already completed the LPC remain eligible right to work: Proof of UK right to work required sqe route: For 2028 or later starts, candidates without the LPC are offered a route incorporating the SQE
• Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
• Application process: Online application form Timed video interview through Shortlister Assessment centre group exercise Strengths-based interview Attention-to-detail or proof-reading exercise Informal networking Online application Approximately 20-minute timed video interview Assessment centre Offer
• Assessments: Application-form review Timed video interview Group exercise Strengths-based interview Attention-to-detail assessment
• Progression: Qualification as a solicitor, subject to successful completion.
• Funding: DWF pays associated SQE course and exam fees for eligible future trainees who have not already enrolled. The England route is structured as a graduate-level apprenticeship during the study period, so candidates receive a monthly wage while completing full-time study. SQE fees are not paid retrospectively.
• Right to work: All applicants must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. note: DWF does not confirm visa sponsorship on the reviewed official early-careers page. Applicants must satisfy the published right-to-work requirements. sponsorship confirmed: false status: not_confirmed
• Disability support: Reasonable adjustments can be requested for the online application, video interview, assessment centre and employment.

United Kingdom - Northern Ireland Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Belfast

• Application timing: DWF confirms this as a current Belfast trainee route. Exact next application dates are not published on the current firm page and are directed to the application portal.
• Programme dates: Two-year practical training in Belfast combined with study at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies; exact next intake dates are not published.
• Status: variable

Published application and programme dates

• DWF confirms this as a current Belfast trainee route. Exact next application dates are not published on the current firm page and are directed to the application portal.
• Programme: Two-year practical training in Belfast combined with study at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies; exact next intake dates are not published.

• Who can apply: Applicants seeking to qualify through the Northern Ireland solicitor route in DWF Belfast.
• Eligibility: Minimum 2:1 degree (or predicted) and a conditional offer to study at IPLS; applicants must have applied or be in the process of sitting the IPLS entrance examination.
• Funding: DWF pays Institute of Professional Legal Studies course fees and provides additional financial support. The Northern Ireland study route is structured so candidates receive a monthly wage covering office and full-time study periods; the current official page does not publish the amount.

United Kingdom - Social Mobility Programme

Type: Work Experience

Location: United Kingdom: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester

• Application timing: The programme is current and recurring. DWF directs candidates to its application portal for deadlines; the current official programme page does not publish the exact next opening or closing date.
• Programme dates: Mentoring and skills sessions followed by two weeks of paid legal work experience mirroring the Vacation Scheme. Exact next programme dates are not published on the current firm page.
• Duration: Mentoring and skills sessions plus 2 weeks paid work experience
• Status: variable

Published application and programme dates

• The programme is current and recurring. DWF directs candidates to its application portal for deadlines; the current official programme page does not publish the exact next opening or closing date.
• Programme: Mentoring and skills sessions followed by two weeks of paid legal work experience mirroring the Vacation Scheme. Exact next programme dates are not published on the current firm page.

• Who can apply: Candidates from qualifying social-mobility backgrounds who are eligible to commence a DWF Training Contract in 2028 under the current published criteria.
• Eligibility: audience: Candidates meeting at least one published social-mobility criterion criteria: State-school or first-generation background Refugee background Low household income Free school meals or pupil premium Care experience locations: Birmingham Liverpool Leeds London Manchester right to work: UK right to work required training contract intake: Candidates must be able to start the relevant published training-contract intake
• Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
• Application process: Online application Video interview Assessment centre group exercise Strengths-based interview Attention-to-detail or written assessment Offer Online application Video interview Assessment centre Programme offer
• Assessments: Video interview Group exercise Strengths-based interview Attention-to-detail or written task
• Progression: Accepted candidates can be considered for a DWF training contract in their chosen location.
• Funding: Two-week paid work experience, plus one-to-one mentoring and skills support. The current official page does not publish the pay amount.
• Right to work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
• Disability support: DWF directs applicants to ClearTalents and invites candidates to identify adjustments or additional support needed during recruitment.

United Kingdom - Scotland Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: Edinburgh, Glasgow

• Application timing: DWF no longer accepts direct Training Contract applications for Edinburgh or Glasgow. Candidates must apply through the Scottish Vacation Scheme; exact next Vacation Scheme application dates are not published on the current firm page.
• Programme dates: 2028 intake in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with four six-month seats over two years. A small number of earlier-start vacancies may also arise; exact start days are not published.
• Status: no_application

Published application and programme dates

• DWF no longer accepts direct Training Contract applications for Edinburgh or Glasgow. Candidates must apply through the Scottish Vacation Scheme; exact next Vacation Scheme application dates are not published on the current firm page.
• Programme: 2028 intake in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with four six-month seats over two years. A small number of earlier-start vacancies may also arise; exact start days are not published.

• Funding: DWF pays Diploma in Professional Legal Practice course fees for future trainees who have not completed the Diploma at the point of offer and also offers a discretionary maintenance grant; the current firm page does not publish the grant amount.

United Kingdom - English Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester

• Application timing: DWF continues to run its English Vacation Scheme. The 2026 scheme has completed; the current official firm page has not yet published the next application opening or closing date.
• Programme dates: Two-week summer Vacation Scheme. The next scheme dates have not yet been published on DWF’s current official page.
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Status: variable

Published application and programme dates

• DWF continues to run its English Vacation Scheme. The 2026 scheme has completed; the current official firm page has not yet published the next application opening or closing date.
• Programme: Two-week summer Vacation Scheme. The next scheme dates have not yet been published on DWF’s current official page.

• Who can apply: Candidates able to progress to a future training contract
• Eligibility: audience: Candidates seeking a commercial-law career office locations: Birmingham Leeds Liverpool London Manchester right to work: Proof of UK right to work is required for DWF early-careers employment routes study stage: Penultimate-year law students, final-year non-law students and graduates, subject to the current vacancy
• Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
• Application process: Online application form Timed video interview Assessment centre group exercise Strengths-based interview Attention-to-detail or proof-reading exercise Informal networking with assessors Online application Approximately 20-minute timed video interview using the Shortlister platform Assessment centre Offer
• Assessments: Timed video-interview questions Group exercise Strengths-based interview Attention-to-detail or proof-reading exercise
• Progression: Participants may confirm that they wish to be considered for a DWF training contract.
• Funding: DWF describes the Vacation Scheme as formal work experience and uses it to assess candidates for Training Contracts. The current Vacation Scheme page does not publish a pay figure.
• Right to work: Applicants must have proof of their right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship must not be assumed.
• Disability support: Reasonable adjustments can be requested during the application, video interview and assessment centre.

United Kingdom - Solicitor apprenticeship

Type: Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: DWF recruits once each year for the Solicitor Apprenticeship. The current official page confirms the September 2027 intake but does not publish the exact 2026 application opening or closing date; deadlines are directed to the application portal.
• Programme dates: Employment starts in September 2027. The apprenticeship combines work with an LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
• Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

• DWF recruits once each year for the Solicitor Apprenticeship. The current official page confirms the September 2027 intake but does not publish the exact 2026 application opening or closing date; deadlines are directed to the application portal.
• Programme: Employment starts in September 2027. The apprenticeship combines work with an LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

• Who can apply: Sixth-form and college leavers
• Eligibility: academic details: The application asks for academic information; exact minimum criteria are vacancy-specific audience: Ambitious sixth-form and college leavers legal work experience required: false motivation: Personal statement must explain motivation for a solicitor apprenticeship
• Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
• Application process: Academic details Work-experience details Personal statement Strengths- and competency-based video interview Strengths-based interview Group exercise Written task Informal networking session Offer Online application Approximately 15-minute video interview Office assessment centre Offer
• Assessments: 15-minute video interview Strengths-based interview Group exercise Written task
• Progression: Progression through the apprenticeship toward solicitor qualification.
• Funding: Employer-funded apprenticeship training leading to an LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice and SQE qualification. DWF publishes a Real Living Wage starting salary for apprenticeship opportunities (currently £23,400 based on a 37.5-hour week, with a higher London Living Wage where applicable).
• Right to work: Applicants must have proof of the right to work in the UK. DWF states that the Solicitor Apprenticeship currently does not meet visa-sponsorship requirements.
• Disability support: Reasonable adjustments can be requested for the application, video interview, assessment centre and written task.

United Kingdom - November Insight Days

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: DWF directs candidates to apply for its November Insight Days; the exact 2026 application dates are not published on the current FAQ page.
• Programme dates: November 2026; exact Insight Day dates are not yet published on the current DWF page.
• Status: upcoming

Published application and programme dates

• DWF directs candidates to apply for its November Insight Days; the exact 2026 application dates are not published on the current FAQ page.
• Programme: November 2026; exact Insight Day dates are not yet published on the current DWF page.

• Who can apply: Prospective applicants
• Eligibility: audience: Prospective applicants location: United Kingdom / Online study stage: Varies by event
• 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. Review the official DWF programme or careers page Use the official DWF application route when a vacancy is live
• Assessments: Assessment details are not published for this route unless stated below.
• Progression: May support a later application; no automatic progression.
• Right to work: Applicants must meet any right-to-work requirements stated in the live vacancy. No visa sponsorship is inferred.
• Disability support: DWF asks candidates who need adjustments to contact the recruitment team so reasonable adjustments can be considered throughout the process.

United Kingdom - 5 STAR Futures

Type: School Programme

Location: United Kingdom: Edinburgh, Glasgow

• Application timing: No general public application window. Students participate through partner schools; school-level selection/timing varies.
• Programme dates: Recurring skills and employability workshops, office visits and work-experience opportunities. DWF confirmed the programme continues annually; exact 2026/27 workshop dates are not publicly listed.
• Status: no_application

Published application and programme dates

• No general public application window. Students participate through partner schools; school-level selection/timing varies.
• Programme: Recurring skills and employability workshops, office visits and work-experience opportunities. DWF confirmed the programme continues annually; exact 2026/27 workshop dates are not publicly listed.

• Who can apply: School students participating through DWF partner schools and education partners.
• Eligibility: Participation is organised through partner schools rather than a general public application. DWF states that its Scottish programme works annually with Leith Academy, St Benedict’s High School and Govan High School.

United Kingdom - Scottish Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: Edinburgh, Glasgow

• Application timing: DWF requires Scotland Training Contract candidates to apply through the Scottish Vacation Scheme. The next application opening and closing dates are not yet published on the current firm page.
• Programme dates: Two-week Scottish Vacation Scheme in Edinburgh/Glasgow; next exact programme dates are not yet published.
• Status: variable

Published application and programme dates

• DWF requires Scotland Training Contract candidates to apply through the Scottish Vacation Scheme. The next application opening and closing dates are not yet published on the current firm page.
• Programme: Two-week Scottish Vacation Scheme in Edinburgh/Glasgow; next exact programme dates are not yet published.

United Kingdom - DWF Chambers Pupillage Programme

Type: Pupillage

Location: United Kingdom: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester

• Application timing: Applications are closed; the next application window has not yet been published.
• Programme dates: Pupillage commences in September 2026; DWF does not publish the exact start day.
• Duration: 12 months
• Places: Up to four pupils in the 2026 recruitment season.
• Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

• Applications are closed; the next application window has not yet been published.
• Programme: Pupillage commences in September 2026; DWF does not publish the exact start day.

• Who can apply: Candidates who complete the professional stage before September 2026
• Eligibility: audience: Bar candidates locations: Birmingham Leeds Liverpool London Manchester professional stage: Must be completed before September 2026
• Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
• Application process: Pupillage Gateway advertisement DWF application form Eligibility and application review Interview Offer of fixed-term employment Application aligned with the Pupillage Gateway timetable DWF application form Shortlisting Interview at DWF Manchester Offer
• Assessments: Application-form assessment Pupillage interview
• Progression: DWF recruits with the intention of offering permanent employment, but no post-pupillage job is guaranteed. The official page states that all nine pupils completing since 2020 were offered qualified-barrister employment.
• Funding: £35,000 pupillage award for the 2026 application season, plus DWF benefits including paid holiday, pension contributions, access to the annual bonus scheme and health benefits. Reasonable travel expenses are covered in line with DWF policy.
• Expenses: All reasonable travel expenses are covered in line with the DWF Travel Policy.
• Travel support: Reasonable travel expenses covered.
• Right to work: This is a fixed-term employment contract; applicants must satisfy employment right-to-work requirements.
• Disability support: Interviews were scheduled at DWF Manchester, which DWF identifies as an accessible building. Further reasonable adjustments can be requested.

United Kingdom - Belfast SQE Traineeship

Type: Traineeship

Location: United Kingdom: Belfast

• Application timing: DWF confirms an SQE traineeship route based in Belfast. Exact next application dates are not published on the current firm page.
• Programme dates: Belfast-based SQE traineeship leading to qualification in England and Wales; exact next intake dates are not published.
• Status: variable

Published application and programme dates

• DWF confirms an SQE traineeship route based in Belfast. Exact next application dates are not published on the current firm page.
• Programme: Belfast-based SQE traineeship leading to qualification in England and Wales; exact next intake dates are not published.

• Funding: DWF pays associated SQE course and exam fees for eligible candidates who have not already enrolled and provides a monthly wage during the apprenticeship/study structure. Fees are not paid retrospectively.

United Kingdom - Ethnic Minority Programme

Type: Work Experience

Location: United Kingdom: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester

• Application timing: The programme is current and recurring. DWF directs candidates to its application portal for deadlines; the current official programme page does not publish the exact next opening or closing date.
• Programme dates: Mentoring and skills sessions followed by two weeks of paid legal work experience mirroring the Vacation Scheme. Exact next programme dates are not published on the current firm page.
• Duration: Mentoring and skills sessions plus 2 weeks paid work experience
• Status: variable

Published application and programme dates

• The programme is current and recurring. DWF directs candidates to its application portal for deadlines; the current official programme page does not publish the exact next opening or closing date.
• Programme: Mentoring and skills sessions followed by two weeks of paid legal work experience mirroring the Vacation Scheme. Exact next programme dates are not published on the current firm page.

• Who can apply: Black, Asian or other ethnic minority candidates eligible to commence a DWF Training Contract in 2028 under the current published criteria.
• Eligibility: audience: Black, Asian or other ethnic minority candidates locations: Birmingham Liverpool Leeds London Manchester right to work: UK right to work required training contract intake: Candidates must be able to start the relevant published training-contract intake
• Academic requirements: Academic requirements are not published on the reviewed programme master page unless stated below.
• Application process: Online application Video interview Assessment centre group exercise Strengths-based interview Attention-to-detail or written assessment Offer Online application Video interview Assessment centre Programme offer
• Assessments: Video interview Group exercise Strengths-based interview Attention-to-detail or written task
• Progression: Accepted candidates can be considered for a DWF training contract in their chosen location.
• Funding: Two-week paid work experience, plus one-to-one mentoring and skills support. The current official page does not publish the pay amount.
• Right to work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
• Disability support: DWF directs applicants to ClearTalents and invites candidates to identify adjustments or additional support needed during recruitment.