Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP advises corporations, financial institutions and government entities around the world on their most complex, high-profile matters. Close collaboration by our 1,700 attorneys in 50-plus practices across 22 offices has been key to helping clients succeed in today's business environment. We aspire for our clients to find the experience of working with us to be as satisfying as the outcomes we generate.

Training contracts at are offered to participants of our vacation scheme program.

Seat Structure

The training contract is divided into four six-month seats, in which trainees gain experience in corporate transactions, litigation/international arbitration and other practice areas. The second year provides the opportunity to gain exposure to other offices by undertaking an international secondment in our Brussels, Hong Kong or New York office.

Trainee Development

We pride ourselves on our broad and comprehensive training programme. You will have a regular training schedule. Drawing upon the experience and teaching abilities of our partners, associates and qualified external consultants, we also offer weekly training seminars, workshops and updates for associates at all levels and across our practice areas. In addition, training is offered in-house, as well as by external speakers who introduce online research tools and other professional services. Trainees also are invited to attend practice area discussions about current practice-specific developments, such as new legislation and court decisions.

Shortly after qualifying, associates attend Skadden’s firm-wide retreat in New York to participate in an intensive  one week program (with associates in the U.S. and German offices) that provides business and legal skills training. 

Support

Throughout your training contract, a qualified solicitor will mentor you and provide advice and guidance whenever required. You will receive regular performance reviews and appraisals from the training principal and your supervisor, who will take a proactive role in shaping your development and progression.

Skadden’s training contracts are offered to students who participate in our vacation placement programme, which provides participants with first hand experience working on actual global transactions. The programme also provides insight into the firm’s culture  and atmosphere.

Each student is paired with an associate supervisor and trainee liaison who identify substantive and suitable assignments. Our vacation placement students are offered the option to practise either in a single area or to divide their time between two practice areas, thereby gaining greater exposure to our work. Students participate in training workshops focused on current matters, which aid their professional development and provide invaluable perspective from Skadden lawyers. Social events allow vacation students to interact with each other and Skadden lawyers on a more informal level.

Our two-week placements are offered in the spring and summer. We remunerate vacation placement students £500 per week to assist with expenses. Undergraduate candidates need to have reached the penultimate year of their law degree studies or the final year for a non-law degree.

GDL and LPC/SQE course fees are covered by the firm and students will receive an annual maintenance grant of £10,000 throughout the duration of both courses.

Vacation scheme attendees: £500

First year trainees: £50,000

Second year trainees: £55,000

Newly qualified solicitors: £150,000

Skadden provides a highly competitive benefits package that is subject to regular review. The package includes:

- Discretionary year-end bonus     

- 25 days holiday per calendar year     

- Technology allowance     

- Health insurance     

- Life insurance    

- Disability insurance     

- Private medical insurance

- Travel insurance

- Interest-free season ticket loan for rail travel

Gym allowance up to £500/year

We look for a record of outstanding academic achievements, including a minimum of a 2:1 at degree level or equivalent and a keen interest in our practice areas.

Applications should be completed and submitted online here.

The deadline for applications is 20 December 2021.