Slaughter and May has a global reputation for providing outstanding legal services. The strength of our practice is reflected in the multi-jurisdictional nature of our work and our international client base. The firm is a trusted adviser to some of the largest companies in the world, advising on complex cross-border deals every single day.

We advise on high-profile and often landmark international transactions. Our varied client list ranges from governments to entrepreneurs, from retailers to entertainment companies and from conglomerates to Premier League football clubs. 

We are a full service law firm to corporate clients and have leading practitioners across a wide range of areas including Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate and Commercial, Financing, Tax, Competition, Disputes and Investigations, Real Estate, Pensions and Employment, Financial Regulation, Information Technology and Intellectual Property.  

In order to offer the best possible service for our clients, we harness the latest market developments in legal technology and innovation. Our forward thinking, innovative approach to legal services complements the best in class advice on which our reputation is built.

Diversity and Inclusion is an integral part of how we do things as a firm. We believe that a supportive and inclusive workplace drives collaboration and enhances business performance. We are looking to employ the brightest minds regardless of what or where they studied. Traditional approaches to D&I are often skewed towards initiatives helping diverse individuals to “fit in” and succeed; we focus on examining and adjusting the system for greater acceptance of different leadership styles and ways of working.

During the two-year training contract, trainees turn their hand to a broad range of work. In each seat you will share an office with a partner or associate (your ‘supervisor’) who will guide you and ensure that you are actively involved in their work and the work of the group. A partner in your group will regularly meet with you to discuss your progress and your supervisor will give you a full review at the end of each seat. You will also receive regular informal feedback. These opportunities provide a forum for you to discuss your progress and how to develop your legal knowledge, skills and experience. 

Our overseas offices and close working relationships with market-leading law firms in other jurisdictions mean there are opportunities for trainees to apply for a secondment in their second year. Recent trainee secondment destinations include: US (NYC and California), France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands. Spain, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, India, Russia and Hong Kong.

 

Trainees are also encouraged to understand advances in the legal industry, and possibly even help to shape them, by joining our Innovation Network which now has over 200 members. Challenging the way we work through open-mindedness, diversity and creativity can have an enormous impact on results for our clients, our efficiency, and our wellbeing.

We offer open days, workshops and work experience schemes to enable you to gain an insight into life as a commercial lawyer. Full details of these opportunities can be found on our website.

We are pleased to announce that we will be running a variety of virtual presentations and events throughout October and November to provide an insight into the firm. To find out more and to register your place please visit our website.

Please click here to sign up to our mailing list for updates on events and vacancies.

Salary 1st year - £50,000

Salary 2nd year - £55,000

Post qualification - £100,000

• 30 days of annual leave 

• Up to £2,000 interest-free loan on joining

• Interest-free season ticket loan on joining

• Money purchase pension scheme

• Life assurance

• Qualification leave

• Qualification leave interest-free loan

• Subsidised restaurant and coffee bar

• Enhanced family leave pay and shared parental leave

• Concierge service, offering a range of services and discounts

• Variety of entertainment benefits at London theatres and galleries

• Bike racks, lockers and shower rooms

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Payroll Giving for tax-free donations to charity

• Matched funding for individual fundraisers

• Eight diversity networks

• Prayer and contemplation space

• Social and networking events, including an annual dinner dance

• Associates reaching three years post-qualification experience may apply for a four-week paid sabbatical

• Subsidised health club membership

• Onsite GP service

• Private medical insurance

• Health screenings

• Personal accident cover

• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme

• A range of sports and clubs

• Dental insurance (self-paid)

Our trainees come from a range of universities – it is the quality of the candidate, not the university that is important to us. We like people with: 

• a sharp intellect

• independent thought and curiosity

• commercial awareness

• energy, spark and commitment

• the ability to relate to others

• common sense and judgement

• integrity

• a range of interests outside of the law

• an interesting take on things

• resolve and resilience

• a good sense of humour

• a willingness to take on responsibility

• a global outlook

Applications should be submitted using the online form, which can be accessed via the link below: www.slaughterandmay.com/careers/trainee-solicitors.  You will be asked to provide some personal details (including a full breakdown of all your examination results) and to attach your cover letter and CV. Your cover letter should tell us about you, why you are interested in a career in law and why you are applying to Slaughter and May.  You should also include any other information which you think may be relevant to your application.  Please ensure that your cover letter is no longer than one side of A4 and address it to Janine Arnold, Head of Trainee Recruitment.

We encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible during an application window. Training contract offers will be made on a rolling basis. We are unable to guarantee the availability of places as we progress with these interviews.