Slaughter and May

United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship Application Q&A - 3 November 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Registration is open.
• Programme dates: 3 November 2026, 17:00–18:00, virtual.
• Duration: One event
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open.
• Programme: 3 November 2026, 17:00–18:00, virtual.

• Who can apply: Students interested in applying to the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.

United Kingdom - A World of Difference virtual presentation - 5 November 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Registration is through the Slaughter and May event page.
• Programme dates: 5 November 2026, virtual; exact time is not stated on the Meet us page.
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is through the Slaughter and May event page.
• Programme: 5 November 2026, virtual; exact time is not stated on the Meet us page.

• Who can apply: Students and early-career applicants.

United Kingdom - Why STEM students make great lawyers - 4 November 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Apply through the linked Legal Cheek event page.
• Programme dates: 4 November 2026, 15:00–17:00, virtual.
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Apply through the linked Legal Cheek event page.
• Programme: 4 November 2026, 15:00–17:00, virtual.

• Who can apply: STEM students and other early-career applicants.

United Kingdom - Application Q&A - 19 November 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Registration is open through the event page.
• Programme dates: 19 November 2026, 13:00–14:00, virtual.
• Duration: One hour
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open through the event page.
• Programme: 19 November 2026, 13:00–14:00, virtual.

• Who can apply: Applicants to Slaughter and May early-career opportunities.

United Kingdom - Application Q&A - 8 December 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Registration is open through the event page.
• Programme dates: 8 December 2026, 13:00–14:00, virtual.
• Duration: One hour
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open through the event page.
• Programme: 8 December 2026, 13:00–14:00, virtual.

• Who can apply: Applicants to Slaughter and May early-career opportunities.
• Application process: Register through Slaughter and May’s official Meet Us page.

United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Type: Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom: London

• Applications open: 2026-10-12
• Closing date: 2027-01-06 Europe/London
• Application timing: Applications open on 12 October 2026 and close on 6 January 2027. No closing time is published. The situational judgement test must be completed within two days of submission.
• Programme dates: Programme starts in September 2027. Interviews take place from 8 March to 2 April 2027.
• Duration: Six years
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Applications open on 12 October 2026 and close on 6 January 2027. No closing time is published. The situational judgement test must be completed within two days of submission.
• Programme: Programme starts in September 2027. Interviews take place from 8 March to 2 April 2027.

• Who can apply: Year 13/equivalent school leaver or another applicant without a completed undergraduate degree.
• Eligibility: GCSE: Seven at grade 6 or above including Maths and English\nA level: AAB achieved or predicted\ndegree: Must not have completed an undergraduate degree\nright to work: Required for the full six-year programme
• Academic requirements: Seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including Maths and English; achieved or predicted AAB at A level. Extenuating circumstances are considered.
• Application process: Online application with GCSE and A-level breakdown, CV and a 500-word response explaining why you want to become a Solicitor Apprentice at Slaughter and May\nUntimed situational judgement test within two days of submission: 15 scenarios, approximately 30–45 minutes\nUnassessed pre-interview insight event at the London office in early March 2027\nIn-person London interview between 8 March and 2 April 2027\nOne-hour written email exercise based on a fictional business\nCurrent-affairs article preparation and discussion\nPartner interview\nOffice tour\nHR interview\nOffer
• Assessments: Untimed situational judgement test: 15 scenarios, approximately 30–45 minutes, completed within two days of submitting the application; no legal knowledge is required. The in-person interview includes a one-hour written email exercise, a current-affairs article discussion, a partner interview and an HR interview.
• Progression: LLB, SQE and qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales.
• Funding: £32,000 first-year salary, increasing annually; £3,000 sign-on bonus; optional interest-free loan up to £3,000; all study fees paid; 30 days’ annual leave and the firm’s wider benefits package.\nfirst year salary gbp: 32000\nsign on bonus gbp: 3000\ninterest free loan gbp: Up to 3,000\nstudy fees: Paid\nannual leave days: 30
• Expenses: Reasonable interview travel expenses are reimbursed and can be paid in advance where needed.
• Travel support: Reasonable interview travel costs are reimbursed; advance payment can be requested where financial constraints would otherwise prevent attendance.
• Right to work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full six-year programme.
• Disability support: Recruitment-process adjustments are available for applicants with a disability or long-term health condition.

United Kingdom - Lead in to Law

Type: Access Programme

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Applications open each autumn through Rare’s Lead in to Law application page.
• Programme dates: Two-year programme for Year 12 and Year 13 students.
• Duration: Two years
• Places: 20 students each year
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Applications open each autumn through Rare’s Lead in to Law application page.
• Programme: Two-year programme for Year 12 and Year 13 students.

• Who can apply: Year 12 and Year 13 students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who meet PRIME criteria and are interested in becoming solicitors.
• Eligibility: Year 12 students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who meet PRIME criteria and are interested in becoming solicitors.
• Application process: Apply through Rare’s Lead in to Law page during the annual autumn application window.
• Progression: University application support and preparation for legal-career opportunities.
• Right to work: School and residency eligibility is governed by the partner programme and PRIME criteria. position: Not published; school-programme eligibility is governed by partner criteria.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.

United Kingdom - Training Contract - Non-Law

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: London

• Applications open: 2026-08-17
• Closing date: 2026-11-13 23:59:00 GMT
• Application timing: Applications opened on 17 August 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 13 November 2026. Training contract offers are made on a rolling basis.
• Programme dates: Training contracts begin in September 2029 or March 2030.
• Duration: Two years
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Applications opened on 17 August 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 13 November 2026. Training contract offers are made on a rolling basis.
• Programme: Training contracts begin in September 2029 or March 2030.

• Who can apply: Non-law finalists and graduates. Applicants completing or holding the PGDL are treated as non-law applicants.
• Eligibility: degree discipline: Non-law\nPGDL: Applicants completing or holding the PGDL are treated as non-law applicants\nwindow: Autumn 2026 for non-law finalists and graduates\nacademic: AAB or equivalent and a strong 2:1, ideally 65% or above in most modules\ncommercial law interest: Must be demonstrated
• Academic requirements: AAB at A level or equivalent; strong 2:1 degree performance, ideally at least 65% in the majority of modules for each completed academic year. Extenuating circumstances are considered.
• Application process: Online application with full academic breakdown, CV and one-page cover letter Early Careers Recruitment review In-person interview day at the London office One-hour written exercise based on a fictional business Approximately 15 minutes to read and make notes on a current-affairs article Partner interview with two partners, or a partner and senior counsel, including the article discussion Office tour and an unassessed conversation with a current trainee Short HR interview, including reflection on the written exercise and partner interview Offer decision; personal feedback is available to unsuccessful interview candidates
• Assessments: Written exercise: one hour to review around five or six pages about a fictional business and type a report on a supplied laptop; no legal knowledge or advance preparation is required. It assesses written communication, persuasion, judgement, problem analysis, innovative ideas and commercial knowledge. Article discussion: approximately 15 minutes to read a current-affairs article and make notes before summarising it, giving and defending an opinion, considering counterarguments and adapting where appropriate. It is not a comprehension test or an assessment of political views. Partner interview: conducted by two partners, or a partner and senior counsel. It assesses critical thinking, reasoned argument, motivation for commercial law and Slaughter and May, resilience, influence and interpersonal skills, and may cover the applicant's CV, academic choices, interests and understanding of business and the lawyer's role. HR interview: a short discussion with Recruitment about the applicant's reflections, CV and motivation, with time for questions.
• Progression: Qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales; most trainees remain with the firm on qualification.
• Funding: The firm pays PGDL and CCP fees and provides £12,000 and £20,000 maintenance grants respectively. CCP course fees: Paid CCP maintenance grant gbp: 20000 joining loan gbp: Up to 3,000 interest-free law school hardship loan gbp: Up to 3,000 interest-free PGDL course fees: Paid PGDL maintenance grant gbp: 12000
• Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses for attending the interview are reimbursed, and funds can be provided in advance where needed.
• Travel support: Reasonable interview travel costs are reimbursed; advance payment can be requested where financial constraints would otherwise prevent attendance.
• Right to work: Offers are subject to the legal right to work in the UK. Where required, the firm provides Skilled Worker sponsorship and immigration-adviser support. available: true route: Skilled Worker support: Firm sponsorship and immigration-adviser support where a visa is required
• Disability support: Recruitment-process adjustments are available for applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. Applicants should use the contact details on the official interview page to request support.

Hong Kong - Summer Vacation Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: Hong Kong: Hong Kong

• Closing date: 2026-12-31
• Application timing: Applications are accepted throughout the year and places are offered as applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply by 31 December 2026 for the 2027 Summer Vacation Scheme; this is a recommended date, not a hard closing deadline.
• Programme dates: June and July 2027; exact scheme dates are not published.
• Duration: Summer placement
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Applications are accepted throughout the year and places are offered as applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply by 31 December 2026 for the 2027 Summer Vacation Scheme; this is a recommended date, not a hard closing deadline.
• Programme: June and July 2027; exact scheme dates are not published.

• Who can apply: Law and non-law students considering law as a career who have completed at least one year of a first degree.
• Eligibility: degree discipline: Law and non-law\nstudy stage: Completed at least one year of a first degree
• Academic requirements: Strong academic record; the Hong Kong careers page does not publish a separate vacation-scheme grade threshold.
• Application process: Application Rolling review Offer Submit application through the Hong Kong careers route Rolling review and offers
• Assessments: Exact current assessment format is not published on the overview page
• Progression: Experience supporting a later Hong Kong Training Contract application; participation is recommended but not mandatory.
• Funding: Pay, travel and accommodation support are not published on the checked page.
• Right to work: Hong Kong immigration and work-authorisation requirements apply; no sponsorship promise is published. position: Not published for the vacation scheme.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.

Hong Kong - Training Contract

Type: Training Contract

Location: Hong Kong: Hong Kong

• Closing date: 2027-07-05
• Application timing: Applications are accepted throughout the year and places are offered as applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply by 5 July 2027 for the 2029 Training Contract; this is a recommended date, not a hard closing deadline.
• Programme dates: 2029 intake.
• Duration: Two years
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Applications are accepted throughout the year and places are offered as applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply by 5 July 2027 for the 2029 Training Contract; this is a recommended date, not a hard closing deadline.
• Programme: 2029 intake.

• Who can apply: Undergraduates and postgraduates seeking the Hong Kong solicitor qualification route.
• Eligibility: Undergraduates and postgraduates with the equivalent of strong A-level grades and a good 2:1 degree or better. A law degree or CPE/GDL and the PCLL must be completed before joining.
• Academic requirements: Equivalent of three strong A-level grades and a good 2:1 degree or better, plus appropriate academic and personal references.
• Application process: Submit the application and required references for rolling review and selection.
• Assessments: Exact current assessment format is not published on the overview page
• Progression: Qualification and career as a Hong Kong solicitor.
• Funding: The firm’s current policy is to pay prospective trainees’ PCLL tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance, conditional on joining after passing the PCLL and completing the training contract.
• Right to work: Hong Kong programme-specific immigration and professional-admission requirements apply. position: Hong Kong immigration and work-authorisation support is not detailed on the checked overview.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.

United Kingdom - Excellerators

Type: Access Programme

Location: United Kingdom: London

• Application timing: Applications open each March during Year 12 through Futures for All; the exact current-cycle dates are published by the programme partner.
• Programme dates: Four placements across May, July and October; exact next dates have not yet been published.
• Duration: Four placements across the year
• Status: variable

Published application and programme dates

• Applications open each March during Year 12 through Futures for All; the exact current-cycle dates are published by the programme partner.
• Programme: Four placements across May, July and October; exact next dates have not yet been published.

• Who can apply: Students aged 16–18 from lower socioeconomic backgrounds outside London who meet PRIME criteria.
• Eligibility: age: 16–18 criteria: PRIME criteria geography: Outside London target group: Lower socioeconomic background
• Application process: Partner application Eligibility review Selection Apply through the official partner route during the annual March window Eligibility and selection by the partner programme
• Assessments: Exact selection format is not published on the firm page
• Progression: Potential priority for SMBP in-person Work Insight & Skills Experience weeks.
• Funding: No pay amount is published. support: Skills and work insight; no participant pay amount published
• Right to work: Partner eligibility and school participation rules apply. position: Not published; school-programme eligibility is governed by partner criteria.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.

United Kingdom - Spring Forward Programme

Type: Access Programme

Location: United Kingdom: London

• Applications open: 2026-10-05
• Closing date: 2027-01-06 Europe/London
• Application timing: Applications opened on 5 October 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 6 January 2027.
• Programme dates: 5–9 April 2027.
• Duration: One week plus ongoing buddy support
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Applications opened on 5 October 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 6 January 2027.
• Programme: 5–9 April 2027.

• Who can apply: First-year law students, or second-year law students on a four-year degree, from lower socioeconomic and/or ethnic minority backgrounds.
• Eligibility: degree discipline: Law study stage: First-year law student Second-year law student on a four-year degree target group: Lower socioeconomic and/or ethnic minority backgrounds
• Academic requirements: AAB at A level or equivalent; strong 2:1 degree performance, ideally at least 65% in the majority of modules for each completed academic year. Extenuating circumstances are considered.
• Application process: Online application with personal and academic details CV Programme-specific written questions Manual review by the Early Careers Recruitment Team No test No interview Offer after the application deadline
• Assessments: No test No interview
• Progression: Ongoing support towards Summer Work Experience Scheme and Training Contract applications.
• Funding: £550 per week plus accommodation where relocation is required and a professional-clothing grant where needed. accommodation: Firm-arranged and paid where relocation is required national insurance: Paid by the firm pay gbp per week: 550 professional clothing grant: Available where needed
• Expenses: The weekly payment is intended to cover expenses; accommodation and clothing support may be additional.
• Travel support: Relevant participation expenses are supported where financial constraints would otherwise prevent attendance.
• Accommodation support: Firm assists with arrangements and covers accommodation costs for participants relocating to London.
• Right to work: Applicants without a British or Irish passport must already hold immigration permission that allows work during the programme. available: false position: No visa sponsorship for Spring Forward.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.

United Kingdom - Durham Autumn Presentation - 29 October 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Registration is open.
• Programme dates: 29 October 2026, 18:30–20:30, Hotel Indigo, Durham.
• Duration: Two hours
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open.
• Programme: 29 October 2026, 18:30–20:30, Hotel Indigo, Durham.

• Who can apply: Students interested in Slaughter and May early careers.

United Kingdom - Virtual Insight Afternoons

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Closing date: 2026-10-21
• Application timing: Registration closed on 21 October 2026.
• Programme dates: Wednesday 28 October 2026.
• Duration: One virtual afternoon
• Status: closed

Published application and programme dates

• Registration closed on 21 October 2026.
• Programme: Wednesday 28 October 2026.

• Who can apply: Final-year students and graduates.
• Eligibility: degree discipline: Law and non-law study stage: Final-year student Graduate
• Application process: Online registration when the event opens No test No interview
• Assessments: No test No interview
• Progression: Optional later Training Contract application; attendance does not include an interview.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.

United Kingdom - Summer Work Experience Scheme

Type: Vacation Scheme

Location: United Kingdom: London

• Applications open: 2026-09-01
• Closing date: 2026-12-04 23:59:00 Europe/London
• Application timing: Applications are open and close at 23:59 GMT on 4 December 2026.
• Programme dates: Three paid London schemes take place during summer 2027.
• Duration: Three weeks
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Applications are open and close at 23:59 GMT on 4 December 2026.
• Programme: Three paid London schemes take place during summer 2027.

• Who can apply: Penultimate-year students; second-year students on four-year degrees who will spend their third year abroad; and first-year students on two-year accelerated law degrees.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be penultimate-year students, second-year students on four-year degrees who will spend their third year abroad, or first-year students on two-year accelerated law degrees. Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
• Academic requirements: AAB at A level or equivalent; strong 2:1 degree performance, ideally at least 65% in the majority of modules for each completed academic year. Extenuating circumstances are considered.
• Application process: Submit the online application, a CV of no more than two A4 pages and a cover letter of no more than one A4 page. Selected applicants attend a London interview between 6 January and 24 February 2027.
• Assessments: One-hour written exercise, current-affairs discussion and an interview with senior lawyers.
• Progression: Training Contract interview during the third week.
• Funding: £550 per week, with accommodation support where relocation is required and a professional-clothing grant where needed.
• Expenses: The weekly payment is intended to cover expenses; accommodation and clothing support may be additional.
• Travel support: Relevant interview and participation expenses are reimbursed where needed.
• Accommodation support: Firm assists with arrangements and covers accommodation costs for participants relocating to London.
• Right to work: Applicants must already have permission to work in the United Kingdom during the scheme.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.

United Kingdom - Spring Open Days

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: London

• Applications open: 2026-10-05
• Closing date: 2027-01-06
• Application timing: Applications opened on 5 October 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 6 January 2027.
• Programme dates: Open days take place on 23 March, 1 April and 7 April 2027.
• Duration: One day
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Applications opened on 5 October 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 6 January 2027.
• Programme: Open days take place on 23 March, 1 April and 7 April 2027.

• Who can apply: First-year students and second-year students on a four-year degree, from any degree discipline.
• Eligibility: Open to first-year students and second-year students on a four-year degree, from any degree discipline.
• Academic requirements: AAB at A level or equivalent; strong 2:1 degree performance, ideally at least 65% in the majority of modules for each completed academic year. Extenuating circumstances are considered.
• Application process: Online application with personal and academic details CV One-page cover letter, except where programme-specific questions replace it Manual review by the Early Careers Recruitment Team No test No interview Offer after the application deadline
• Assessments: No test No interview
• Progression: Preparation for later Spring Forward, summer work experience or Training Contract applications.
• Funding: Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed and can be provided in advance. advance funding: Available if needed travel expenses: Reasonable travel reimbursed
• Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed.
• Travel support: Reimbursement and advance payment available.
• Right to work: Event-specific attendance requirements apply; no visa sponsorship promise is published. position: No separate sponsorship promise is published for this one-day event.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.

United Kingdom - Edinburgh Autumn Presentation - 2 November 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: Edinburgh

• Application timing: Registration is open.
• Programme dates: 2 November 2026, 18:30–20:30, The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh.
• Duration: Two hours
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open.
• Programme: 2 November 2026, 18:30–20:30, The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh.

• Who can apply: Students interested in Slaughter and May early careers.

Explore Law

Type: Virtual Experience

• Application timing: Free registration is available throughout the year.
• Programme dates: Self-paced online programme taking approximately 4–5 hours.
• Duration: Self-paced
• Status: available

Published application and programme dates

• Free registration is available throughout the year.
• Programme: Self-paced online programme taking approximately 4–5 hours.

• Who can apply: Open to everyone and designed particularly for people aged 16–18 who are beginning to explore commercial law.
• Eligibility: Open access; no legal knowledge or previous work experience is required.
• Application process: Register on Forage and complete four self-paced practice-area tasks.
• Assessments: Self-paced simulated client tasks for learning and skills development.
• Progression: Builds commercial-law knowledge and application skills.
• Funding: Free online programme.

United Kingdom - Manchester Autumn Presentation - 29 October 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: Manchester

• Application timing: Registration is open.
• Programme dates: 29 October 2026, 18:30–20:30, Hyatt Regency Manchester.
• Duration: Two hours
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open.
• Programme: 29 October 2026, 18:30–20:30, Hyatt Regency Manchester.

• Who can apply: Students interested in Slaughter and May early careers.

United Kingdom - Oxford Autumn Presentation - 2 November 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom: Oxford

• Application timing: Registration is open.
• Programme dates: 2 November 2026, 18:30–20:30, Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
• Duration: Two hours
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open.
• Programme: 2 November 2026, 18:30–20:30, Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

• Who can apply: Students interested in Slaughter and May early careers.

United Kingdom - Solicitor Apprenticeship Application Q&A - 10 December 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Registration is open through the event page.
• Programme dates: 10 December 2026, 17:00–18:00, virtual.
• Duration: One event
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open through the event page.
• Programme: 10 December 2026, 17:00–18:00, virtual.

• Who can apply: Students interested in applying to the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.

United Kingdom - Welcome to Slaughter and May - 18 November 2026

Type: Open Day / Event

Location: United Kingdom

• Application timing: Registration is open through the event page.
• Programme dates: 18 November 2026, 17:00–18:00, virtual.
• Duration: One event
• Status: rolling

Published application and programme dates

• Registration is open through the event page.
• Programme: 18 November 2026, 17:00–18:00, virtual.

• Who can apply: Students interested in the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.

United Kingdom - Training Contract - Law

Type: Training Contract

Location: United Kingdom: London

• Applications open: 2026-08-17
• Closing date: 2026-11-13 23:59:00 GMT
• Application timing: Applications opened on 17 August 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 13 November 2026. Training contract offers are made on a rolling basis.
• Programme dates: September 2029 or March 2030; exact start dates have not yet been published.
• Duration: Two years
• Status: open

Published application and programme dates

• Applications opened on 17 August 2026 and close at 23:59 GMT on 13 November 2026. Training contract offers are made on a rolling basis.
• Programme: September 2029 or March 2030; exact start dates have not yet been published.
• Applications open in June 2027; exact opening and closing dates are not yet published.

• Who can apply: Law finalists and graduates.
• Eligibility: Open to final-year law students, law graduates and postgraduate law applicants. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and an interest in commercial law.
• Academic requirements: AAB at A level or equivalent; strong 2:1 degree performance, ideally at least 65% in the majority of modules for each completed academic year. Extenuating circumstances are considered.
• Application process: Online application with full academic breakdown, CV and one-page cover letter Early Careers Recruitment review In-person interview day at the London office One-hour written exercise based on a fictional business Approximately 15 minutes to read and make notes on a current-affairs article Partner interview with two partners, or a partner and senior counsel, including the article discussion Office tour and an unassessed conversation with a current trainee Short HR interview, including reflection on the written exercise and partner interview Offer decision; personal feedback is available to unsuccessful interview candidates
• Assessments: Written exercise: one hour to review around five or six pages about a fictional business and type a report on a supplied laptop; no legal knowledge or advance preparation is required. It assesses written communication, persuasion, judgement, problem analysis, innovative ideas and commercial knowledge. Article discussion: approximately 15 minutes to read a current-affairs article and make notes before summarising it, giving and defending an opinion, considering counterarguments and adapting where appropriate. It is not a comprehension test or an assessment of political views. Partner interview: conducted by two partners, or a partner and senior counsel. It assesses critical thinking, reasoned argument, motivation for commercial law and Slaughter and May, resilience, influence and interpersonal skills, and may cover the applicant's CV, academic choices, interests and understanding of business and the lawyer's role. HR interview: a short discussion with Recruitment about the applicant's reflections, CV and motivation, with time for questions.
• Progression: Qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales; most trainees remain with the firm on qualification.
• Funding: The firm pays PGDL and CCP course fees, provides maintenance grants of £12,000 for the PGDL and £20,000 for the CCP, and offers interest-free joining and hardship loans of up to £3,000.
• Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses for attending the interview are reimbursed, and funds can be provided in advance where needed.
• Travel support: Reasonable interview travel costs are reimbursed; advance payment can be requested where financial constraints would otherwise prevent attendance.
• Right to work: Offers are subject to the legal right to work in the UK. Where required, the firm provides Skilled Worker sponsorship and immigration-adviser support.
• Disability support: Recruitment-process adjustments are available for applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. Applicants should use the contact details on the official interview page to request support.

Commercial Law

Type: Virtual Experience

• Programme dates: Self-paced; approximately 4–5 hours.
• Duration: Self-paced
• Status: available

Published application and programme dates

• Programme: Self-paced; approximately 4–5 hours.

• Who can apply: Open to everyone interested in commercial law.
• Eligibility: access: Open access prior legal knowledge: Not required
• Application process: Register Complete self-paced tasks Register on the official Forage programme Complete self-paced tasks
• Assessments: Self-paced simulated tasks; not a recruitment assessment
• Progression: Supports future applications but does not itself confer an interview or offer.
• Funding: Free online programme. access cost: Free
• Right to work: No work authorisation is required to complete the online programme. position: Not applicable to an online open-access programme.
• Disability support: Slaughter and May states that recruitment should be barrier-free and invites applicants with a disability or long-term health condition to request adjustments from the relevant recruitment contact.