The firm

Skadden is one of the leading law firms in the world with approximately 2,000 lawyers in 24 offices across the globe. Our clients include corporate, industrial and financial institutions, and government entities.

The London office is the gateway to our European practice where we have some 250 lawyers dedicated to top-end, cross-border corporate transactions and international arbitration and litigation. We have handled matters in nearly every country in the greater European region, as well as in Africa and the Middle East. We consistently rank as a leader in all disciplines and, amongst a whole host of accolades, we have been voted 'Global Corporate Law Firm of the Year' (Chambers and Partners), 'Best US Law Firm in London' (Legal Business) as well as 'Best Trainer' (2007 & 2008) and 'Best Recruiter' (2009)  in the US law firm in London category (LawCareers.Net Training & Recruitment Awards).

Types of work

Lawyers across the European network focus primarily on corporate transactions, including domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, leveraged finance and banking, tax, corporate restructuring, and energy and projects. We also advise in international arbitration and litigation, and regulatory matters.

Our graduate recruitment opportunities

We seek to recruit a small number of high-calibre graduates from any discipline to join our highly successful London office as trainee solicitors. We are looking for graduates who combine intellectual ability with enthusiasm, creativity and a demonstrable ability to rise to a challenge and to work with others towards a common goal.

Graduate training programme

The firm can offer you the chance to develop your graduate career in a uniquely rewarding and professional environment. You will join a close-knit and diverse team in which you will be given ample opportunity to work on complex matters, almost all with an international aspect, whilst benefiting from highly personalised graduate training in an informal and friendly environment.

The first year of your training contract will be divided into two six-month seats where you will gain experience in corporate transactions and international arbitration and litigation. In the second year of your training contract you will have the opportunity to discuss with us your preferences for your remaining two seats. We also offer our second year trainees the opportunity to complete a seat in either our Moscow or Hong Kong offices.

Work placements

Skadden offers the opportunity for penultimate-year law and non-law students to experience the culture and working environment of the firm through our two-week placements. Our work experience placements are paid and take place during Easter and over the course of the summer. The deadline for applications is 12 January 2010 for placements in 2010.

For more information about our graduate career opportunities, please visit our website.