The start of your career can be difficult to navigate. Wondering what path you should take. Not knowing where to begin. But it's also exciting. Heading out on your own. Finding your passion.
At Taylor Wessing we don't fear the future. We embrace it. And help shape it. If you want to learn from inspiring minds. To work with clients who are changing the game. To unleash your limitless potential.
We're the firm for you.
Defining the future of law
Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world’s most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together, we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results.
We act for the world's biggest brands, most innovative start-ups and unicorns, and wealthiest families. International in our reach, we have over 2,000 employees in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Working at the forefront of new areas of law, we help our clients by introducing them to new people, new markets, and fresh perspectives to help them flourish.
To do this we need people who never settle for average. Who aren't afraid of the unknown. Who are adaptable, and driven to find answers.
Who are always collaborating, learning, improving. People who want to unleash their limitless potential.
Think you've got what it takes?
Life sciences & healthcare
Our Life Sciences & Healthcare team guides clients through the many different, interlinking legal and commercial challenges that they face in these dynamic and highly regulated industries.
Private wealth
Our international Private Wealth group has been recognised as a market leader for many years. We are one of the few international law firms able to provide a fully integrated legal service that addresses clients' business, investment and personal interests.
Real estate, infrastructure & energy
Through creating our unique Real Estate, Infrastructure & Energy sector group, we are consolidating our broad cross-border strength and significant industry expertise in a single centre of excellence. We bring a one-team mindset and approach where it is needed for this cross-sector focus.
Technology, media & communications
We are one of the most connected law firms ingrained in the technology, media and communications sectors. From seed stage to IPO, and from start-up to unicorn, we're one of the few firms who can support companies throughout their life cycle.
Other expertise
As a full-service international law firm we offer a wide range of services and sector expertise.
Great minds
Academic ability is important, and we look for a minimum of AAB at A Level (or equivalent), and at least a 2.1 in any degree discipline. We appreciate due to personal circumstances you may not meet the AAB requirement – if this is the case for you, please reach out to our team.
Commercial instincts
Before you can advise clients, you need to understand how they operate. You'll need to have good commercial instincts and be able to demonstrate you understand how businesses work.
Collaborators
From teaching junior colleagues to advising clients, collaboration will be essential to your role. You'll need to be able to explain complicated issues clearly, engage with stakeholders effectively and manage your workload efficiently.
Adaptability
We advise clients who are shaping the future. You'll be working in sectors where the law frequently changes, and you'll need to be able to adapt quickly to new situations and feel comfortable with the unknown.
Determination
You’ll work with exciting clients in incredible sectors - but it’s going to be hard work. You'll need to be focused, committed and have the drive necessary to solve often complex and challenging legal issues.
Our schemes
Solicitor apprenticeship programme
We don’t believe there's a set path in law - university isn't for everyone, and we appreciate that. Our six-year Solicitor apprenticeship programme offers school leavers with an interest in law an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor.
Summer Vacation Scheme
Our two-week, award-winning scheme will immerse you in life at Taylor Wessing. Spending two weeks in two different practice areas, you'll gain first-hand experience under the supervision of our approachable associates and partners. On top of the law, you'll experience other elements of life at Taylor Wessing including pro bono and networking opportunities. Completing a Vacation Scheme with us is the only way to be considered for a training contract.
Open Days
Throughout October and November we'll be running a series of Open Days where you can learn more about the firm and hear from senior lawyers and trainee solicitors.
Webinar series
This autumn hear from our senior lawyers about the pivotal role of each of our sectors.
First Year Insight Scheme
In April 2024 we'll be hosting our two-day First Year Insight Scheme where you can learn more about the firm and network.
Limitless
Discover 'Limitless', our exclusive Year 12 initiative designed to help students from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds and Black heritage to kickstart their career as a solicitor. Learn about the world of law in monthly upskilling sessions and experience what it's like to work at Taylor Wessing in our two-day work shadowing opportunity.
Our application process
Read how to apply for our Summer Vacation Scheme, the only route to a training contract with us.
Find out moreI initially joined Taylor Wessing as a paralegal and got to experience the firm's unwavering commitment to excellence and its inclusive, supportive culture first-hand.
My time as a paralegal left an indelible impression on me and solidified my desire to pursue a career as a lawyer at the firm.
My first seat was in the Private Client team and I absolutely loved it.
I received a lot of hands-on experience with trust structures, often involving complicated international elements, along with other tricky advisory pieces considering tax and other areas. The team undertakes an incredibly broad range of work, meaning that every day brings its own unique challenges and keeps you on your toes!
During your training contract you'll be given high levels of responsibility, varied work and consistent learning opportunities.
You'll be fully supported and equipped with the insight and experience to confidently take your career in any direction you wish.
I joined Taylor Wessing's Patents and Innovation group as a senior associate in 2020.
As a patent litigator I was particularly attracted to the prestigious clients Taylor Wessing represents in many high-profile cases and its top-tier reputation.
What I found particularly attractive about Taylor Wessing was the volume of work it conducts with start-ups.
This involves working on cutting-edge matters and collaboration with exceptional individuals in the tech and life sciences industries, which have provided me with a steady stream of challenging yet fascinating work.
From helping negotiate documents for a huge construction project in Central London to advising a start-up fintech firm on UK regulation, my time at Taylor Wessing has exceeded all my expectations.
I have been able to develop my skills as a solicitor in a supportive environment whilst being offered plenty of client contact and responsibility.
Trainees are given real responsibilities, and sometimes you might be the only trainee on a project or matter.
This can mean a steep learning curve, but it allows you to grow and learn very quickly.
I was attracted to Taylor Wessing due to its Disputes and Investigations team and joined the firm two years after I qualified.
The work we do is really varied, and in a single day I could be advising an individual, a start-up founder and in-house counsel across different sectors. Cases are often reported in the press, which makes you realise the impact the work you do has in the real world (which is easy to overlook when you're working at your desk!).
Are you Tomorrow's Talent?
Tomorrow's Talent is a popular two-week work shadowing scheme for students aged 16-19 from less socially mobile backgrounds.
Find out more
Talent knows no distinction
We want to recruit the best people, so we're working to ensure talented students and graduates from every background can access opportunities with us.
Read more about our initiatives
Early Talent team
Our Early Talent recruitment team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient recruitment process for all our graduates. If you have any questions about the Summer Vacation Scheme or becoming a graduate at Taylor Wessing, please contact a member of the team or email us.