Trainee Solicitor

McGuireWoods London LLP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

McGuireWoods London LLP is currently inviting applications for its September 2028 & 2029 Training Contract programme. The firm seeks trainees who will gain exposure to multiple areas of law, with feedback after each seat to support development and a two-year programme designed to provide significant responsibility early on.

Applicants should hold an upper second-class degree or international equivalent and have excellent English.

Qualifications

• We recruit trainees with a strong academic record and an upper second-class degree (or equivalent).
• Successful applicants will undertake a two-year Training Contract with seats in at least three areas of law.
• All responses must be the applicant's own work; no AI-assisted submissions.
• Applications close on 31 October 2026; interviews in Feb–Mar 2027.

Responsibilities

• Work in at least three areas of law during the Training Contract.
• Receive feedback after each seat to support development.
• Demonstrate high professional standards and teamwork from the start.
• Communicate effectively at all levels.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Upper second-class degree

Job description

We are currently accepting applications for our September 2028 & 2029 Training Contract programme.

At McGuireWoods London LLP, we consider recruiting one trainee solicitor each year who will either be completing the Legal Practice Course and will undertake a period of recognised training or taking the Solicitors Qualifying Exams and will undertake a period of qualifying work experience. We are keen to ensure that you receive positive and practical training, are given a good level of responsibility early on, work in varied areas of practice and will be a valued member of the team from the start. During your Training Contract programme, you will be given the opportunity to work in at least three areas of law, and you will be assessed after each seat of your training to make sure that you are receiving feedback on your performance and that we are assisting you with any queries you may have. Trainees are normally required to undertake a full two-year Training Contract programme regardless of prior experience.

We look to recruit trainee solicitors with a strong academic background. If you have graduated, then you should have at least an upper second-class degree (although not necessarily in law), or if you are in your final year at university, you should have obtained the equivalent of an upper second in any second-year exams. If your academic qualifications are from outside the UK, we require equivalent standards. All candidates must have excellent command of written and spoken English.

We are looking for people who have high professional standards, are self-starters who can work effectively within a team, are able to communicate at all levels, have enthusiasm and commitment to our practice, an ordered and structured approach to work, strong analytical intelligence and meticulous attention to detail.

We do not offer financial assistance covering fees or offer any sponsorships.

Applicants must not use artificial intelligence tools in the preparation of any part of their application. All responses must be entirely the applicant's own work. Applications found to have been prepared using AI tools may be rejected or withdrawn from consideration.

Applications should be submitted by 31 October 2026.

The application must be received by the closing date. Selection and interviews are expected to take place in February and March 2027.

The firm does not run a vacation placement scheme.