Applications

Training contract deadlines

targetjobs editorial team

3 Jun 2024, 17:59

Are you a graduate that is unsure which commercial law firm to apply to first? Our handy list of training contract deadlines will help you to plan and prioritise.

Picture of pins in a calendar signifying training contract deadlines

Graduates and non-law graduates hoping to begin a training contract (or ‘period of recognised training’) in 2025 or 2026 need to apply in 2024. So, if you’re a law student, you should have applications tailored to the firms you are interested in ready to be sent off in your second year and non-law students in your final year.

Most firms take applications from final-year, non-law undergraduates at the same date as they accept law students’ applications, this varies. So, if you’re on a conversion course, be sure to double-check the dates and entry requirements on the firms’ targetjobs profiles or on their websites.

Don’t wait until the deadline date

Many commercial firms start inviting candidates to assessment centres and interviews before this, so being organised and submitting your application well before the deadline could pay off.

Submission dates for training contract applications:

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

Related careers advice

Thumbnail image for Which law firms will fund your SQE preparation, LPC and PGDL course fees and pay maintenance costs?

Which law firms will fund your SQE preparation, LPC and PGDL course fees and pay maintenance costs?

Training and progression

Do law firms really pay for the SQE and the other routes to qualify as a solicitor? Yes, many do. We list the top firms offering sponsorship for your postgraduate law studies from 2024 onwards and also point to other sources of funding, including scholarships and loans.

Law solicitors + 1
Placeholder image for What is (and how do I get) a training contract or qualifying work experience?

What is (and how do I get) a training contract or qualifying work experience?

Training and progression

Discover all you need to know about getting the work-based element of qualifying as a solicitor – known as a law training contract or qualifying work experience.

Law solicitors + 1
Thumbnail image for What is the solicitors qualifying examination (SQE)?

What is the solicitors qualifying examination (SQE)?

Training and progression

The SQE explained: discover all you need to know about the new professional qualification that enables you to become a solicitor in England and Wales.

Law solicitors + 1
Placeholder image for How to research law firms: a checklist

How to research law firms: a checklist

Applications

In order to stand out from other graduates who want to become solicitors, do a thorough job of researching law firms and tailor your training contract applications to each organisation.

Law solicitors + 2
Placeholder image for Law application form questions: examples of how to answer the extracurricular activities question

Law application form questions: examples of how to answer the extracurricular activities question

Applications

‘What are your main interests, activities and pastimes? Please describe any related positions of responsibility you have held.’ Find out how to answer this typical training contract application form question about hobbies.

Law solicitors + 2
Placeholder image for Law application form questions: examples of how to answer the ‘why commercial law?’ question

Law application form questions: examples of how to answer the ‘why commercial law?’ question

Applications

'Why are you interested in a career in commercial law?'. Get help, examples and tips on how to answer this typical training contract application form question about below.

Law solicitors + 2
Search advice
undefined background image

We've got you

Get the latest jobs, internships, careers advice, courses and graduate events based on what's important to you. Start connecting directly with top employers today.
Join targetjobs