We’re a law firm for the game changers; the smart thinkers; the groundbreakers. As a Top 20 law firm, we act as the legal advisors to the biggest names in revolutionary industries. We partner with start-up clients as they change the way we see the world. And we support you, to be one of tomorrow’s brightest lawyers. We’re Taylor Wessing, and we’re trailblazing. We think it’s time you joined us.
At Taylor Wessing, we focus on the four core sectors changing the face of tomorrow: technology, media and communications, life sciences and healthcare, private wealth, and real estate, infrastructure and energy.
International in our reach, we have over 2,000 employees in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We work at the edge of tomorrow’s industries, and we do it across the globe, from London to Silicon Valley.
Our innovative, modern approach is what defines us. Our clients range from promising new start-ups to multinational leaders of industry, with a client base that includes 60% of the world’s top 50 brands. In every case, we provide specialised legal advice, backed by a fine-tuned commercial intelligence.
That’s the spark and commitment we need in our graduates. We look for the kind of intelligence that puts us ahead of the curve, so that we can work with clients at the peak of innovation.
Taylor Wessing looks for trailblazing graduates - smart thinkers and groundbreakers, who'll become the top legal minds of tomorrow's biggest industries. What we've created isn't just any corporate video – we've crafted something that will tell a story of openness, collaboration and opportunity within our law firm. Welcome to Taylor Wessing.
Far reaching | High flying – Academic ability is a must, and we look for a minimum ABB 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 ABB requirement, so please reach out to one of the team to discuss your application. |
Commercial thinking | At Taylor Wessing, we’re defined by the specialist support we offer to tomorrow’s industries. To help us do that, you’ll have to demonstrate an in depth knowledge of how business works, and how to apply it in real life. |
Team working | From working with trainees and associates, to working in partnership with clients, communication and team work will be at the heart of your role at Taylor Wessing. So, you’ll have to have great negotiation skills, and be able to give a clear explanation of complex issues. More than that, we'll expect you to be kind of person who can work collaboratively supporting and advising your colleagues as best you can. |
Fast adapting | With our focus on tomorrow’s industries, you’ll be working in sectors where the law is still brand new, and very much in flux. With precedents still being set – not to mention being regularly overturned – you’ll have to be able to adapt quickly to new situations. |
Hard working | You’ll work with exciting clients in incredible industries, but it’s going to be hard work. We’ll support you all the way, but you’ll have to be focused, committed, and ready to stay motivated, even in the face of complex and challenging legal issues. |
Outgoing | We’re a friendly, approachable firm, and we’re looking for graduates with spark and warmth, who’ll contribute to the diverse culture of our staff. |
Forward planning | Working with a variety of pressing cases and client demands, you’ll have to have great time management skills, and be able to plan ahead for any contingency. |
Background reading |
Whether you’re a law student or a non-law student, we want to know that you’ve read as much as you can about a career in law and, about our firm specifically. We want to see that you’ve given a lot of thought as to why you want to work for us, so that you can tell us why we’re the right firm for you. We are proud to be using Rare Recruitment's Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) which allows us to consider your achievements in the context in which they were gained. We understand that not all candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background. We are also a disability-confident organisation. We ensure all candidates are supported and able to perform at their best throughout our assessment process. If you require support for any reason including if this relates to a disability or health condition, please do let us know. |
We’re the firm for the graduate who chases tomorrow, and the student who’s ahead of the curve. Music streamers. Avid gamers. Green supporters. Taylor Wessing lead the field in areas you already build your life around. So with us, you’ll build a career that combines your passion with your legal intelligence, to support the industries that will change our world.
We have +2,000 employees, including +300 partners, in 29 offices across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We’re constantly working to make sure we’re well placed for tomorrow’s industries, with offices from London TechCity to Silicon Valley.
At Taylor Wessing, we’re renowned for the support we provide to clients, and we’re equally proud of the support we offer to our trainee solicitors. With your drive and our phenomenal support package, you’ll open doors to become one of the brightest lawyers in your field. During your training contract, you’ll be eligible for our benefits.
We want to support talent from the outset, so we’ll also offer you support as you transition from university.
Social and sporting events also ensure you’ll be surrounded by new friends at the firm from the outset.
We offer approximately up to 25 training contracts each year and we are pleased to announce that we are now recruiting for two trainee solicitors to join our Cambridge Office from September 2023, in addition to the Trainee Solicitors we recruit into London. Regardless of whether you are based in London or Cambridge, we will provide you with all the training and experience to help you succeed.
How to apply
Our summer vacation scheme is the only route to be considered for a training contract.
Find out how to applyI applied to Taylor Wessing for two key reasons.
Firstly, its sector focus: I had loved trusts law at university, and so was particularly interested in the private wealth sphere as I knew it would provide scope to become involved in trusts in a practical setting. Equally, I was also keen to work in a firm with a technological focus, as I am interested in areas where the law is playing catch-up to the evolving world. Taylor Wessing excels in both of these very different areas, and so I thought the firm was a perfect fit to explore these interests.
Secondly, I had heard on the grapevine that Taylor Wessing has an excellent collegiate culture, and my experience has borne that out! The people are very welcoming and typically happy to take time to explain matters.
I am now a second-seat trainee, and I have sat in the Private Client team and the Disputes and Investigations team. My experience in Private Client certainly provided me with a lot of hands-on experience with trusts structures, often involving complicated multinational elements, along with other tricky advisory pieces considering tax and other areas. I found the heavy research and advisory element of the team to be particularly rewarding, and the private wealth sector provided plenty of unique challenges that would be less common elsewhere. The Disputes and Investigations team has taught me a great deal regarding the process of litigation and some of the key strategic elements that litigators must bear in mind both prior to proceedings commencing and once they are underway. My work in the Disputes team has involved a lot of organisational and case management tasks, such as being on top of deadlines and arranging bundles, as well as the odd research piece.
Things can happen quickly, and you learn quickly as a result. Soak things up and get involved. Be resilient and trust the process. Make yourself a valuable part of the team.
One of the main things that attracted me to Taylor Wessing was their strong position as a technology firm, because it shows how forward-facing they are as a company. During my training contract, I sat within the commercial technology and data team, which is a multi-jurisdictional seat that allowed me to see how closely we work with other countries to get to the bottom of the problems we’re trying to solve. I worked on quite a few cross-national data privacy projects. I also sat in real estate planning and environment, disputes and investigations and corporate finance, where I subsequently qualified into. Having such varied seats as a trainee meant I was able to see the different roles that solicitors can play within a firm – this was crucial to my development.
I think what makes a good lawyer is someone that has a measured approach to challenges and pressures, and a friendly attitude towards team members and clients. You have to be smart and have a strong work ethic, but have a spirit of fun too. I think everyone at Taylor Wessing displays those characteristics.
You have to hit the ground running from the first week you enter the building. Trainees are given real responsibilities, and on occasion you can be the only trainee on a project or matter. This is a steep learning curve but it allows you to grow and learn very quickly.
Working on the Tulip skyscraper appeal has been one of the best projects I’ve been part of. It showed me law does not exist in a vacuum. Commercial and political considerations play a key role in any project strategy, particularly ones that are of this scale. On a more personal level, I learnt the importance of managing my time effectively, and what it really means to roll up your sleeves and throw yourself into new opportunities. I’m excited to continue my journey in the world of real estate planning.
I would describe the working culture at Taylor Wessing as supportive, ambitious and kind. Everyone is encouraged to be themselves. People have an appreciation of the importance of work life balance, and you are empowered to take control of your career at an early stage of your traineeship and qualification. It’s also fun. Everyone is a team player and there is never a shortage of social events. From the events run by the Trainee Solicitor Council, the weekly drinks and the famous Friday morning all-you-can-eat breakfast. We are more than colleagues. We’re each other’s support network and friends
Taylor Wessing works with forward-thinking clients engaged in the industries of tomorrow, and that’s what stood out to me initially and convinced me to join. I loved the fact that the firm looks for opportunities in new markets that are opening up across the world – providing clients with an excellent, industry-leading service. What’s more, because Taylor Wessing practises in areas of law which include Intellectual Property and Private Client, I thought it would be a really exciting place to be with a range of opportunities – and I was right.
Over two years and four seats, I had the opportunity to take on high levels of responsibility, was exposed to top-quality work and some of the best minds in the industry, and worked alongside a team of lawyers who are open, friendly and incredibly supportive. From helping negotiate documents for a huge construction project in central London to advising a start-up ‘fintech’ firm on UK financial regulation, my time here has exceeded all my expectations.
Having studied Law at university, I had an interest in lots of departments when I started my training contract. But after completing my third seat in Private Client, this was the area I decided to qualify into. In Private Client, you work with individuals and families helping them on a huge variety of matters – from personal tax advice to drafting wills. You often have to think beyond the legal solution and consider the practical issues and interests of individuals and their families. Since qualifying, I have found the work hugely rewarding and enjoyed the chance to specialise. I have been able to develop my skills as a solicitor in a supportive environment, whilst being offered plenty of client contact and responsibility.
What attracted me to Taylor Wessing was its size and reputation in the areas of private wealth work – and IP really stood out when I first applied. I was also interested in the new corporate crime team, which was being set up just as I applied.
I was impressed by Taylor Wessing’s vision for the future. They’ve got a clear idea about where they’re going and how they’re going to get there.
I began my Vacation Scheme with Taylor Wessing as soon as I could. I studied Law and Australian Law at The University of Nottingham and in my penultimate year I even got to go there – it was an amazing experience. Once I returned, I didn’t let jet lag get in the way of my law career and I started the scheme after just two days back in the UK.
Those two weeks gave me a real insight into the firm and immediately convinced me to train here. I was impressed by Taylor Wessing’s vision for the future. They’ve got a clear idea about where they’re going and how they’re going to get there – keeping their people in mind as they continue to develop them. This forward-thinking really resonated with me, plus, I genuinely enjoyed my time here. Everyone was incredibly supportive and encouraging, so I thought that’s a firm I want to be a part of, that’s where I want to train.
My first seat was Restructuring and Corporate Recovery, where I experienced contentious work. Over the course of the six months I had the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting deals and had great exposure during each case – I love the level of involvement. A highlight was working on a deal that involved pension fraud, where I played an active role from start to finish. I worked on pre-court processes, thought about strategy and even got to go to court for the winding up hearing. Not only was it an amazing chance to see my work come to something but also it was a positive result for us. It was an amazing moment and started my contract off with a bang.
I’d always enjoyed the academic aspect of the law – but I was curious to see how it applied in practice. So in the second year of my law degree, I took part in Taylor Wessing’s two-week vacation scheme. This really gave me a great insight into the practical aspects of law, and firmed up my decision to follow it as a career.
I was initially attracted to the firm because of its dynamic clientele, and its ability to identify and tap into new markets. Whenever I speak to people about Taylor Wessing, there’s always a buzz and a sense of excitement about the firm.
And then there’s the small trainee intake. It means we’re a closely-knit team, and good friends who support each other. It also means that we are seen as individuals rather than a face in the crowd.
The first seat of my training contract was in Banking and Finance. It was a transactional seat and fairly fast paced, which meant that most matters I was working on tend to be completed within four to six weeks. This kept things refreshing, and I had plenty of opportunities to work with a broad spread of clients.
I’m currently in Patents for my second seat. It’s very different, as I’m mainly involved in contentious work in the form of patent litigations. This has exposed me to a different side of law, and I’ve gained so many valuable insights.
Personally, I think Taylor Wessing stands out among the sea of city law firms because of its culture –which is friendly and down-to-earth, but also very ambitious.
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 moreTalent 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 initiativesGraduate recruitment team
Our graduate 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.